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SHAKESPEARE 
EXPLAINED 

A Reader's Guide 



SHAKESPEARE 
EXPLAINED 

A Reader's Guide 



BY 

FORREST S. £UNT, A.M. 

Instructor in English 

HORACE MANN SCHOOL, TEACHERS COLLEGE 

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY 




NEW YORK 

HEARST'S INTERNATIONAL LIBRARY CO. 

19 15 






Copyright, 1915, by 
Hearst International Library Co. 

All rights reserved, including translation 

into foreign languages, including 

the Scandinavian 



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INTRODUCTORY NOTE 

This Guide was prepared for the purpose of 
assisting the general reader to a better under- 
standing of the plays of William Shakespeare. 

The opportunity to visit libraries, consult refer- 
ence books and glossaries is not given to all who 
would like to know the plays of the great English 
dramatist. The Guide is intended to suggest to 
such readers the type of questions which any 
thoughtful reader should ask and which he can 
answer, even though he may not have an intimate 
knowledge of notes, historical references, or of 
play making. 

Mr. Arthur Brisbane's Introduction to the 
International Edition of Shakespeare will ma- 
terially aid one who is reading for pleasure in 
appreciating the plays and poems. 

F. S. L. 



SHAKESPEARE 
EXPLAINED 

A Reader's Guide 



SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

THE TEMPEST 

ACT I SCENE I 

1. Where is the scene of this drama placed? 

Scene i is on board a ship at sea; the rest 
of the action is on Prospero's Island. 

% Can you give a reason why Shakespeare be- 
gins this play with a storm? 

Because he wished to draw the enemies of 
Prospero to his island in an apparently 
natural manner. This storm was caused 
by Prospero. Scene ii, lines 194 to 208. 
Some commentators suggest that the 
storm was intended to recall the foul play 
by which Prospero was robbed of his duke- 
dom. In the author's day the elements 
were supposed to be in very close sym- 
pathy with human joys and sorrows. 

SCENE II 

3. What do you learn about Ferdinand? 

Ferdinand is a son of the storm-wrecked 
1 



% SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

king; of "brave form"; is drawn to Pros- 
per© and Miranda by Ariel's music ; "he is 
gentle and not fearful" (line 467) ; and 
falls in love with Miranda immediately. 
4. What expression of the Realistic, the Roman- 
tic, and the Supernatural does Shakespeare 
give in this act? 

The conversation of the sailors, and the 
love between father and child are ex- 
amples of Realism. Ariel's account of his 
part in the storm, and the bewitching of 
Ferdinand are examples of the Supernat- 
ural. The love of Ferdinand and Miran- 
da for each other is an expression of 
Romance. 



act n — SCENE I 
5. What description of the island does Gonzalo 



"Here is everything advantageous to 
life." "How lush and lusty the grass 
looks ! how green !" 
6. What does Ariel do for Gonzalo? 

He prevents Gonzalo from being killed 
while asleep by Antonio and Sebastian, by 
singing in his ear and waking him. Lines 
305-310, Scene i. 



THE TEMPEST 



SCENE II 



7. What is the dramatic purpose of this humor- 
ous scene? 

To contrast with the tragic; it tem- 
porarily relieves the mental and emotional 
strain of the spectators of the drama. 
The final result is to make the tragedy 
more effective by means of contrast. 

ACT III — SCENE I 

8. What task does Prospero impose upon Fer- 
dinand? 

The task of removing and repiling several 
thousand logs. Line 10. 

9. Compare the love scene of Miranda and Fer- 
dinand with that of Romeo and Juliet; in what 
are they alike; how do they differ? 

The love scenes of Miranda and Ferdi- 
nand and Romeo and Juliet are alike in 
that all four fall in love at first sight; 
that their fathers are enemies; that both 
girls are very young and childlike; that 
they profess their love at once. The 
scenes differ in that Miranda does not 
recognize her feeling for Ferdinand be- 
cause she has never heard of such a thing 
as love ; while Juliet recognizes her feeling 
for Romeo at once, — her mother has al- 



SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

ready discussed marriage with her. The 
love of Ferdinand and Miranda adds 
brightness and light to the play while that 
of Romeo and Juliet bursts forth with a 
passion which portends tragedy. 



10. Give as good a description as you can of 
Caliban, 

Caliban has the body of a beast and the 
head of a deformed dwarf; he crawls upon 
all fours rather than walks upright. His 
passions are bestial, yet he sees the beauty 
in nature with a poet's mind. Act I, 
Scene i, lines 283-284; Act III, Scene ii, 
lines 26-40; Act III, Scene ii, lines 144- 
152; Act V, Scene i, lines 264-270, 287- 
291. 

11. How does the action of the play progress in 
this act? 

Ferdinand's labors are rewarded by the 
gift of Miranda's hand, while Caliban, 
Stefano, and Trinculo are punished. 



12. How does the author bring Prosper o to re- 
lease his prisoners? 

Prospero, through study and reflection, 



THE TEMPEST 5 

resolves to release his prisoners if they 
show penitence for the past. 

IS. What do you think of Prosper of 

A matter of personal opinion. He is 
calm, dignified, and scholarly, typifying a 
gentleman. 

14. How does he present Ferdinand to his father 
again? 

Alonzo looks into Prospero's cell, discov- 
ering Ferdinand playing chess with Miran- 
da; then Ferdinand tells his father of his 
engagement to Miranda. 



15. What do you think of The Tempest? 

A personal question for each reader. 

16. Why is it not a good play to be acted? 

Because of the difficulty of presenting the 
supernatural on the stage and its unreal- 
ity. 

17. What do you learn from the epilogue? 

Various interpretations are given this 
speech. The actor who took the part of 
Prospero makes a speech in words which 
seem to apply to the play, but in reality 
plead for the friendly judgment of the 
audience. 



THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA 

ACT I SCENE I 

1. What does Shakespeare tell about the charac- 
ters Proteus and Valentine, lines 63-68? 

Valentine is shown to be a man of action, 
generous, unemotional, true; Proteus is a 
man of reflection, selfish, emotional, false. 

% Is this scene humorous? Why? 

Yes. See lines 20, 23-40, 70-158. The 
play upon words in the scene between Val- 
entine and Proteus; the play upon words 
in the scene between Speed and Proteus; 
and Speed himself make the humor. 



3. Compare the -first 50 lines of this scene with 
"The Merchant of Venice" Act I, Scene ii, 
lines 37-140. 

Note the similarity in the speeches of Lu- 
cetta and Portia; Julia and Nerissa. 

4. What are your conclusions? 

That Shakespeare liked the scene in the 
earlier play and therefore developed the 
6 



GENTLEMEN OF VERONA 7 

same situation when he wrote "The Mer- 
chant of Venice." That Shakespeare used 
whatever he liked or whatever "took" 
more than once. 

scene ni 

Why is this an important scene? 

Because it tells the audience that Proteus, 
the devotee of love, is to be separated from 
the woman he loves and, therefore, raises 
the questions, "How will he act?" "What 
will he do?" 

ACT II SCENE I 

What shows you that Valentine's love for Sil- 
via is genuine? 

Valentine's failure to see through Silvia's 
device (see lines 121-140) suggests that 
his love for her is genuine. 



7. What is the reason for givmg this short scene? 
In order to show Proteus and Julia to- 
gether. After hearing his speech, lines 
8-12, an audience would be further inter- 
ested in the questions raised at the end 
of Act I, Scene iii. 



SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



scene ni 

8. What kind of humor is found m this scene? 

9. Do you enjoy it? 

Natural, homely nonsense. If one sees 
the clown leading his dog by a string onto 
the stage, the quibbling wit of the speeches 
will probably cause laughter. 



10. How does Thurio reveal his character, lines 
10-42? 

By his speeches, especially lines 12, 9,0 and 
30. In the first he shows jealousy; in the 
second, stupidity ; in the third, anger. 



11. Would comedy of this hind interest a modern 
audience? 

It would depend upon the way it was 
played. The words read probably seem 
uninteresting but the action which goes 
with the words on the stage would cause 
laughter. This scene shows the absolute 
necessity of visualizing a play. 



GENTLEMEN OP VERONA 



act ni 

12. Which character is the more interesting, Val- 
entine or Proteus? 

The answer will depend upon the reader; 
whether he is more interested in seeing 
treachery punished or honesty and love 
rewarded. Both are interesting. 

ACT IV SCENE I 

13. How does Shakespeare make Valentine's will- 
ingness to become an outlaw less objection- 
able, lines 71-7;6? 

By a reference to the romantic robber 
Robin Hood, by the statement of the 
Third Outlaw that some of the band are 
gentlemen (lines 44-51), and by the agree- 
ment to 

". . . do not outrages 
On silly women or poor passengers." 
(Lines 71-73.) 

14. Summarize the ways by which the story is 
complicated. 

The introduction of Thurio as the chosen 
suitor of Silvia; the arrival at Milan of 
Proteus, and his immediate determination 
to supplant Valentine; Julia's trip to 
Milan in search of Proteus; Thurio's ap- 



10 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

peal to Proteus for aid in his wooing; 
Proteus's failure to recognize Julia and 
his giving her a position as his page; Sil- 
via's escape from her father's court, her 
capture by the outlaws, and her rescue by 
Proteus ; these events make up the compli- 
cations. 



15. What -feelings are aroused by lines 68-112? 
Satisfaction and sympathy. Satisfaction, 
because Silvia tells Proteus what she 
thinks of him and his actions ; sympathy, 
because Julia hears the man she loves de- 
clare his love for another, and because she 
also hears Silvia tell Proteus what he is. 



16. Does Proteus deserve the reward he receives? 

No. The mere statement of repentance is 
not sufficient punishment. 

17. Will Julia be happy with Proteus? 

Probably not. At least, one cannot be 
certain that Proteus will treat her well; 
but perhaps she would be happy with Pro- 
teus under any circumstances. 



GENTLEMEN OF VERONA 11 



GENERAL 

18. Do you like the way m which Shakespeare 
ends the play? 

Many do not ; to them the end seems to be 
forced and weak. 

19. Are there any scenes or characters which seem 
unnatural? 

Some of Valentine's actions seem unnat- 
ural, see Act III, Scene i; Act V, Scene 
iv, lines 78-83; the Outlaws all seem un- 
natural; Eglamour does not live up to the 
reputation given him in Act IV, Scene iii, 
lines 11-13. Act III, Scene ii; Act IV, 
Scene i, seem unnatural. 



THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR 

ACT I SCENE I 

1. Describe the characters in this scene, basing 
your descriptions upon what they say. 

Justice Shallow, his name describes him; 
Slender, his name describes his wit as 
clearly as his physique ; Evans is a simple, 
laughable, melancholy Welsh parson ; Page 
is shown as a natural gentleman ; FalstafF, 
an egotistical, hugely fat rogue, happy, 
unmoral, not sensitive to small vices such 
as lying, petty theft, and deceit ; Bardolph, 
Nym, and Pistol, three hard-drinking ras- 
cals, who hide behind brave words and hor- 
rible looks ; Anne Page, pretty, natural, 
girlish; Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, 
two pretty, healthy, honest, high-spirited 
women; Simple, described by his name. 



£. What is the spirit of this scene? 

Boisterous, noisy, bar-room fun. 
12 



THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR 13 



3. What parts of the three scenes of this act ad- 
vance the main story of the play? 

Scene i, lines 1-209 ; Scene ii, lines 50-350 ; 
Scene iii does not advance the main story. 

4. What parts are given merely to amuse? 

Scene i, lines 210-261 ; Scene ii, lines 1-38 ; 
all of Scene iii. 

act in — scene i 

5. Do you enjoy the humor of Slender 9 s asides? 

The love-sick way in which Slender deliv- 
ers these asides makes them very funny. 

scene m 

6. Are you interested in the plan of Mistress 
Page and Mistress Ford? 

If you see the fun that is coming you 
must be interested. 



•Y. How does Slender act in this scene? 

Not like a lover or a youth of ordinary in- 
telligence, but like a simpleton or a coun- 
try gawk. 



14 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

8. What do you think of his wooing? 

His words and his actions make the audi- 
ence laugh at him. 



9. Does this scene appeal to you as funny? 
Why? 

FalstafPs description of what happened 
to him is certainly funny and to this de- 
scription is added the fact that he tells the 
whole story to Ford. 

ACT IV SCENE I 

10. How would this scene have to be played in 
order to show the fun m it? 

Very earnestly and seriously. The an- 
swers come quickly and glibly. 

SCENES IV AND VI 

11. Which of the two plans for Anne's marriage 
do you want to succeed? Why? 

Fenton's plan, given in scene vi; because 
he is the only sensible suitor. 

ACT V SCENE V 

1ft* How is the comedy finally concluded? 

With a delightful fairy scene in which 
FalstafF and Ford are both brought to 



THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR 15 

realize their shortcomings and Anne and 
Fenton announce their marriage. 



13. Are you more interested in the story of Fals- 
taff or in the story of Anne and Fenton? 
Why? 

Probably in the story of Falstaff; be- 
cause of the fun. 



MEASURE FOR MEASURE 



1. How are you informed of the conditions in the 
city which need to he changed? 

By the Duke's telling Friar Thomas why- 
he put Lord Angelo in command of the 
city. 

ACT II SCENE II 

£. Should Angelo have been moved to clemency 
by Isabella's arguments? 

Yes. Isabella, the pure young woman, 
pleading for her brother would have 
gained clemency from a true man of noble 
character. 



Does this act suggest that the DuJce under- 
stood Angelo 9 s real character? 

We see that the Duke understood An- 
\ gelo's character from his conversation 
I with Isabella after listening to her re- 






MEASURE FOR MEASURE IT 

cital to her brother. See lines %%l-%@1, 
Scene i. 



4. How does Shakespeare try to make Mariana's 
.. assent to the Duke's plan seem less repulsive?^ 
Lines 66-76. The duke disguised as a 
friar urges Mariana to go to Angelo, say- 
ing Angelo is her husband by a pre-con- 
tract therefore it is no sin to go to him. 



5. What are your criticisms of the -final disposi- 
tion of the chief characters? 

Mariana's marriage to Angelo, whom she 
has finally gained by trickery, is not pleas- 
ing to the majority. It would seem that 
Angelo deserved some punishment. Lu- 
cio's untruthfulness does not seem to de- 
serve the sentence of death. That Claudio 
should be released is pleasing to the au- 
dience, but there is no special feeling for 
Barnardine. Isabella is one of Shake- 
speare's finest women characters. That 
her virtue and goodness should be re- 
warded by an offer of the Duke's hand 
gives general satisfaction. 



18 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



6. How does this play show the differences be- 
tween the ethics of Shakespeare's time and 
modern times? 

That a play, dealing with such a theme 
and having such scenes and such devices, 
could be written with the idea of being 
produced in public shows the difference 
between the ethics of Shakespeare's time 
and modern times. 



THE COMEDY OF ERRORS 

ACT I SCENE I 

1. Are you interested by Mgeorfs story? 

This story, "wjiich envelops the whole 
comic plot," receives the favorable com- 
ments of all the critics. They refer to 
it as "interesting," "pathetic," "strik- 
ing," etc. 

#. What are the important points in it? 

In Epidamnum his wife gives birth to twin 
sons, "the one so like the other as could 
not be distinguished." At the same inn 
and at the same time male twins were born 
to "a meaner woman" ; they too were alike 
in appearance. iEgeon bought these two 
boys to attend his sons. The family be- 
gan the journey home; were shipwrecked; 
JEgeon and his wife were separated, each 
having one son and one servant. JEgeon 
and the two boys reached Syracuse, where 
they lived for eighteen years without hear- 
ing word of the mother and the other two 
boys. The son secured his father's per- 
19 



20 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

mission to go in search of his mother and 
brother. After two years the father 
started to find his family; this search 
has lasted for five years. He has arrived 
at Ephesus hopeless of ever finding the lost 
ones. 



scene n 

3. What does Antipholus of Syracuse think of 
the message he received from the mistaken 
Dromiof 

He thinks his servant is trying to fool 
him or cheat him. 



ACT II — SCENE I 

What kind of woman is Adriana? 

Adriana is a wealthy, good looking, fret- 
ful, peevish, jealous woman. 

How does Shakespeare make the mistakes seem 

natural to Antipholus of Syracuse and his 

Dromio, lines 184 ff? 

By making them think the strange events 
are caused by witches, fairies, goblins, 
etc. Note the many references through- 
out the play to fairies, sprites, and con- 
jurers. 



THE COMEDY OF ERRORS 21 



ACT m SCENE I 

6. Has Antipholus of Ephesus any excuse for 
making the announcement found in lines 107- 
121? 

Her upbraidings at his lateness and her 
suspicions as to its cause — when he really 
was purchasing a present for her — seem 
to give an excuse. 

7. Do you attach any importance to the pro- 
posed gift of the chain, lines 117-119? 

It suggests further trouble. 



8. Contrast Luciana with her sister, 

Adriana is shrewish; Luciana is wom- 
anly. Adriana repels; Luciana attracts. 
Adriana is suspicious ; Luciana is trustful. 
Both are good-looking. 

9. Why is the idea in line 161 repeated? 

In order to keep before the audience the 
idea that Antipholus believes the strange 
events are caused by witchcraft. If he 
believes this an atmosphere of plausibility 
is thrown about the play. 



SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



10. What is the first incident which shows Shake- 
speare is getting ready for the explanations 
which come in Act V? 

The arrest of Antipholus of Epliesus be- 
cause he is definitely located in prison 
and cannot make further complications. 
Note the confinement of the various char- 
acters before the final explanation. 

11. Was Adriana justified in thinking her hus- 
band had gone mad? 

Yes. That she was justified is clearly evi- 
dent if the action has been visualized. 



12. Has Adriana deserved the rebuke of the Ab- 
bess, lines 6Sff? 

Read her speech in lines 62-67. She cer- 
tainly did. 

13. Do the events of this act follow in natural 
sequence? 

They do. Note the way in which the 
comic and pathetic elements of the play 
are joined. 



THE COMEDY OF ERRORS 



14. What type of play is this? 

This is a farce; the only one Shakespeare 
wrote. 

15. Do the characters develop as the play pro- 
gresses or do they remain as they were at the 
opening of the play? 

The characters do not develop, they are 
the same at the end as they were at the 
beginning. 

16. Keeping the explanation of Antipholus of 
Syracuse in mind, does the play seem plausi- 
ble? 

Not very; where there is so much im- 
probability one has to yield himself to the 
fun of the play and not think much about 
the probability. 

17. Did you enjoy the fun in this play? 

If you did not, reread it. Perhaps a 
closer acquaintance will enable you to en- 
joy it. 



MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING 



ACT I SCENE I 



1. Who are the interesting characters in this 



The interesting characters of this scene 
are Beatrice, Hero, Don Pedro, Claudio, 
and Benedick. 
£. In what attitudes toward each other are Bea- 
trice and Benedick shown in the opening scene 
and to what are those attitudes due? 

Beatrice and Benedick are shown as en- 
gaging in a "kind of merry war. . ." 
They never meet but "there's a skirmish 
of wit between them." Lines 65-67. 
They are both witty and both scoff at 
love. 

ACT II SCENE III 

3. What is the purpose of the stratagem prac- 
ticed upon Beatrice and Benedick? 

Don Pedro has proposed that they marry 
Benedick to Beatrice — he calls it one of 
Hercules' labors. Scene i, line 379-386. 
24 



MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING 25 

He proposes it as a joke to while away the 
week before Claudio's marriage to Hero. 
4. What is the cause of Don John's perfidy to 
Claudiof 

There is no cause for Don John's perfidy 
to Claudio. Don John has an envious, 
sour nature which delights in causing 
trouble. Scene i, lines 5-11. 



ACT IV SCENE I 

5. How would a modern audience respond to a 
man's mortifying an innocent woman as 
Claudio did Hero at the altar? 

The response from a modern audience to 
such a scene as this would be hostile. It 
probably would cause the play to be a 
failure. 



ACT V SCENE m 

6. What do you think of the church scene and 
Claudio's poem and song? 

This shows how differently people felt in 
Shakespeare's time from what they do 
now. The poem and song are very crude 
and unnatural. 



SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



Comment upon Claudio 9 s willingness to marry 

a mashed woman, 

Claudio was willing to do anything to 
make amends for his conduct toward 
Hero — so he willingly agreed to marry 
Leonato's niece without seeing her until 
after he had sworn to marry. 



8. Where is the climax in this play? 

The climax is where the characters are all 
assembled in the church for the wedding 
of Hero and Claudio, when Claudio ac- 
cuses Hero of being wanton. Act IV, 
Scene i. 

9. Who are the principal characters? 

The principal characters of the play are 
Beatrice, Benedick, Claudio, Hero, Don 
Pedro, and Dogberry. 

10. Comment on the art with which Shakespeare 
has raised Benedick and Beatrice to the 
height required for a mutual avowal of love 
after all that has passed between them. 

Shakespeare shows his skill in the hand- 
ling of Beatrice and Benedick. Beatrice 
shows her interest in Benedick in Act I, 



MUCH ABO ABOUT NOTHING M 

Scene i, by inquiring about him of the mes- 
senger. She piques his self-esteem by her 
wit; he angers her by his woman-hating 
airs. When she hears that he is in love* 
with her, she changes her attitude towards 
him. When he hears that she is in love 
with him, his attitude changes. Then 
Hero's misfortune brings them together, 
for they are the only two who believe in 
Hero's innocence. 



LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST 

ACT I SCENE I 

1. What are the terms of the oath referred to in 
this scene? 

To live and study at the castle for three 
years; not to see a woman during that 
term; to eat one meal a day six days in 
the week, and nothing on the other day; 
and to sleep only three hours each night. 

scene n 

% Compare the hinds of humorous effect fur- 
nished by Moth, Costard, and Armado. 

Armado, the gentleman, furnishes the oc- 
casion by the use of big words ; Costard 
furnishes fun through his stupidity ; Moth 
furnishes fun through his keen wit. 

ACT II — SCENE I 

3. How far has the oath been kept, when this 
scene closes? 

They have all broken the oath, since each 
has seen and fallen in love with a woman. 



LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST 29 

Nothing is said about the other terms of 
the oath. 



act in — SCENE I 

4. What two errands are entrusted to Costard? 
Has he wit enough to keep them straight? 
Costard is instructed by Armado to take 
a note to Jaquenetta and by Biron to 
take one to Rosaline. One knows at once 
that Costard will not be able to deliver 
the notes to the proper recipients. 



ACT IV SCENE I 

5. What is there about the letter that is char- 
acteristic of Armado? 

The use of many bombastic words and 
quotations is characteristic of Armado. 

6. What mood are the ladies in? 

The ladies are in a very jolly, happy 
mood. 



7. What is the character of Holof ernes? 

The character of Holofernes is that of a 
priggish schoolmaster always trying to 
show his learning. 



30 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



8. Who are the "Four woodcocks in a dish" and 
why are they called so? 

"Four woodcocks in a dish" refers to the 
King of Navarre, Dumain, Biron and 
Longaville; woodcocks means foolish fel- 
lows. Biron says that because each has 
been trying to write poetry to his love. 

9. By what line of reasoning does Biron justify 
the breaking of their oath? 

Biron justifies the breaking of their oath 
by a verbose fantastical form of reason- 
ing, which has at times just enough logic 
to carry it. 

ACT V SCENE I 

10. What is the nature of the humor of this 
scene? 

Verbosity and a play upon words is the 
nature of the humor of this scene. The 
play is thought by many critics to be a 
satire upon the many nobles who tried to 
shine as wits and punsters. 



11. Describe the trick the ladies play on the lov- 
ers. 

Boyet tells the ladies that the four lovers 



LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST 31 

are coming disguised as Russians, so the 
ladies in turn disguise themselves, so that 
each man makes love to the wrong woman. 

12. How do the "Four Worthies' 9 take the way 
their efforts are received? 

The "Four Worthies" do not fully realize 
that their efforts were laughed at. 

13. What is "Love's Labor" in the play, and how 
is it "lost"? 

Love's Labor in the play is winning the 
four women — it is lost because the Prin- 
cess's father dies and she compels the King 
to wait a year, so likewise do all the oth- 
ers. 



A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM 

ACT I SCENE I 

1. Explain the relations between the four lovers. 
Lysander and Hermia are in love with 
each other, but Hermia's father, Egeus, 
favors a second suitor, Demetrius, for his 
daughter. Demetrius has formerly been 
in love with Helena but has deserted her, 
although she still loves him. 

% Just why does each of the lovers go to the 
forest? 

Hermia goes to the forest to meet Ly- 
sander with whom she is going to his 
aunt's to be married. Helena knows of 
it, so tells Demetrius so he can pursue 
them, she follows that she may watch 
him — Lines 250-251 — Scene i. 



3. Are these characters to be thought of as 
Athenians? If not, do they belong in this 
play? 

These characters are not to be thought of 

32 



A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S BREAM 33 

as true Athenians. They belong to the 
play. Athens was taken because to the 
English that was the city of beauty and 
the nearest approach to an ideal city. 

4. What sort of a person is Bottom? 

Bottom is a weaver, a thinker, an egotist 
and a tyrant. 

ACT II — SCENE I 

5. Do these fairies make you think of Greece, or 
some other country? 

These fairies remind one more of Eng- 
land than Greece. The references to the 
cowslips and to the housewife churning 
are truly English. 

6. What are some of the lines that are most fairy- 
like? 

The first fifteen lines of scene i are most 
fairy-like. 

!7. Are they represented with petty minds as well 
as tiny form,s? 

Titania is not represented with a petty 
mind although Oberon and Puck are. 

8. What is the pozver of the magic plant, and 
how does Oberon mean to have it used? 

The magic plant, love-in-idleness, makes 
the one to whom it is applied love the 
first thing he or she sees upon awaking. 



34 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

Oberon means to have it applied to Ti- 
tania, so that she will give up the page 
before he will remove the charm from her. 



9. How seriously are we to take this scene? 

We are to take this scene as one of Puck's 
inimitable jokes. 

10. In this and other scenes, how does Puck feel 
about his mistakes? 

Puck has no compunctions about any of 
his mistakes. 

act m — SCENE I 

11. Do the characters in this scene know that 
they are -funny? 

The characters in this scene have no idea 
that they are funny, in fact Bottom wishes 
the audience to be informed that he is 
Bottom to put them out of fear. 

12. Show how Titania's fairy daintiness affects 
the humor of the closing part of the scene. 

That the dainty fairy Titania could love 
the monster Bottom with the body of a 
man and the head of an ass adds much 
humor to this scene, especially when she 
calls Cobweb, Peaseblossom, and Mustard 
Seed to wait upon him. 



A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM 35 



13. Explain the confusion of the lovers here; 
how is it to be straightened out? 

Oberon told Puck to put love-in-idleness 
on Demetrius, instead he put it on Ly- 
sander by mistake, then he puts it on 
Demetrius; both men see Helena on first 
awaking and scorn Hermia. Oberon tells 
Puck to put them to sleep when they go 
to fight a duel and put something on Ly- 
sander's eyes to break the charm. 

ACT IV SCENE I 

14. How far is Bottom turned into an ass, and 
how far does he remain his natural self? 

Bottom is turned into an ass only in the 
shape of his head and what he wishes to 
eat. He still thinks as the Weaver Bot- 
tom did. 

15. Is the hunting party a good addition to the 
play? 

The hunting party makes the awakening 
of Ly sander and Demetrius seem more 
natural and helps straighten out the con- 
fusion of the preceding scene. 
1(5. When Bottom wakes, how much does he re- 
member? 



36 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

Bottom remembers that he thought he 
was an ass and had ass's ears. 

ACT V SCENE I 

17. Is Quince's prologue nonsense because of 
the way it was written, or of the way he re- 
cites it, or both? 

Quince's prologue is nonsense because of 
the way it is written and the way in which 
he recites it. 

18. What absurdities of stage-management oc- 
cur in the mechanics 9 play? 

The wall making a speech, and later show- 
ing a chink by holding up two fingers ; the 
man with lantern, the dog and bush of 
thorn representing Moonshine; and 
Snug's announcement that he is not a 
real lion are a few of the absurdities. 

19. Which of the actors makes the funniest 
blunders in language, and what trait of his 
character leads him to make them? 

Pyramus makes the funniest blunders in 
language; his bombastic and dictatorial 
manner causes him to do this. 

20. Do the comments of the spectators have any 
effect on the actors? 

The comments of the spectators have no 
effect upon the actors so intent are they 
upon their play. 



A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM 37 



&1. What popular beliefs are connected with 

Midsummer's Night? 

Some of the popular beliefs are that what- 
ever is wished on Midsummer's Night will 
come true ; that after night-fall the fairies 
are all-powerful; that they often steal 
new brides, or turn cowslips sprinkled on 
the doorstep into flames to burn those who 
have harmed them. 
£2. Whose dream is meant — Titania's, Bottom's, 

the lovers', or the reader's? 

See lines 440 to 460 in Act IV. It is gen- 
erally believed to refer to the audience. 



THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 

ACT I SCENE I 

1. What does this scene show of the character, 
circumstances, and friends of Antonio? 

It shows that Antonio is a wealthy, inde- 
pendent, able, business man ; warm hearted 
and loyal to his friends. In this first scene 
he is thoughtful and depressed. His 
friends are able, happy young fellows, 
less well-to-do, and less thoughtful. 

% What lines of story-interest are suggested in 
the last few speeches? 

The last few speeches between Bassanio 
and Antonio show the great friendship 
existing between them; they also interest 
the audience in Bassanio's wooing and in 
the raising of the money which makes his 
wooing possible. 

SCENE II 

3. What natural, girlish things does Portia say? 
Almost every speech has these character- 
istics. The first, third, sixth, seventh, 
eleventh, seem especially girlish. 
38 



THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 39 

4. Has anything been mentioned in the play so 
far that is not perfectly credible? 

The only thing which can be questioned is 
the will of Portia's father. Would a sane 
man leave such a will? 

scene m 

5. What lines, scattered through this scene, make 
you suspicious of Shylock's apparent gener- 



Line 30; lines 42-53; 59-61; 107-129. 
When seen on the stage several bits of 
"stage business" clearly suggest that 
Shylock does not mean what he says. 

act n — SCENE h 

6. What action or "stage business" would take 
place in this scene? 

Launcelot acts as a clown. He addresses 
his thumbs as "Conscience" and "the 
fiend." In lines 42-46 he twists his father 
about at each reference to turn. When 
Gobbo refers to Launcelot's beard he is 
feeling of the boy's long hair. In line 
113 he has placed one hand with the fin- 
gers widely separated on his side and 
quickly rubs his father's hand over it. 
The "business" in lines 129-151 is very 



40 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

funny; Launcelot and his father are back 
to back, their arms locked and as each 
speaks he faces Bassanio. The whole 
scene is laughable largely because of the 
way in which it is played. 

SCENES III AND VI 

7. What are the reasons for thinking that Shake- 
speare expects us to sympathize with Jessica 
in her elopement? 

Because of the thoughts given in Scene 
iii, lines 1-3 ; Scene iv, lines 34-40 ; Scene 
v, lines 1-6, 13-14, 47-52; Scene vi, lines 
51-57. 

SCENE VII 

8. Does the Prince of Morocco choose as you 

would have expected, from his character as 

shown in Scene i? 

In Scene i Morocco is shown as a brave, 
boastful, self-centered man. It is natural 
that he would disdain the leaden casket; 
pause long over the silver casket because 
of its inscription which appealed to his 
pride, and finally choose the golden cas- 
ket because his "glowing Oriental imagina- 
tion is captivated by the vision of Por- 
tia as the world's desire." 



The merchant of Venice 41 



9. At the end of the second act, how far have 
the love-story and the bond-story developed, 
and what should be expected to happen next 
in each? 

The audience knows Bassanio and Portia 
are interested in each other; that Bas- 
sanio has secured the funds which will en- 
able him to appear as a suitor, and that 
he has started for her home. In the bond- 
story the audience knows Shylock hates 
Antonio, yet he has made an apparently 
generous bond with him; that the Chris- 
tians have aided Jessica to elope, thus 
furnishing fresh fuel to Shylock's hatred 
of them. 

The audience may expect to see Bas- 
sanio try his fortune with the caskets; 
in the bond-story the expectation is that 
Antonio will be forced to forfeit the ap- 
parently harmless bond. 

act in — SCENE I 

3.0. Balance the best things Shylock says in this 
scene with the worst, and decide whether in 
the main we are expected to sympathize with 
him. 



42 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

The best speech of Shylock is found in 
lines 132-135, which is really a wonder- 
fully pathetic speech. His worst speeches 
are those in which he gloats at the idea of 
Revenge. Because of the loss of his 
daughter and his money and because of 
what he says in lines 61-75 the audience is 
probably expected to have some sympathy 
for Shylock at this point. 
11. Does the elopement of Jessica have any ef- 
fect on the main story? 

It makes Shylock more determined to be 
revenged upon Antonio. 



12. Is this scene more or less interesting from the 
fact that we have seen Morocco and Arra- 
gon choose? 

It is more interesting because we have 
seen Morocco and Arragon choose — and 
fail. 

13. What qualities does Portia show, in the va- 
rious parts of this scene? 

Love and coyness, lines 1-24; determina- 
tion, lines 40-42; pride, lines 53-60; fear, 
lines 60 ff. 



THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 43 



14. What is Portia's plan, and in what spirit 
does she undertake it? 

The audience knows Portia is going to 
follow her husband disguised as a man, 
but she does not make clear just what 
she intends to do. Lines 62-78 show the 
spirit of fun with which she undertakes 
her plan. 

ACT IV SCENE I 

15. Just how far has the trial got, when Portia 
enters? 

The trial has progressed to the point 
where it is clear that Shylock is actuated 
by hatred and is determined to have his 
bond. There seems to be no escape for 
Antonio. 

16. Why does Shakespeare have Portia prolong 
Antonio's agony by letting Shylock go so far 
towards cutting the pound of flesh? 

For the dramatic effect upon the audi- 
ence. 

17. Are we expected to take sides in this scene 
for or against Shylock? 

Without doubt the audience is expected to 
take sides against Shylock. 



U SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

18. Would you be willing to have the play end 
with Shylock's exit, line 412? 

This is the end of the story as far as 
Shylock is concerned. Many think the 
play should end here. The idea of a 
comedy, however, seems to require a 
lighter and more romantic ending. 

ACT V SCENE I 

19. What is the tone of the -first 100 lines of this 
scene, as compared with Act IV? 

Light, fanciful, romantic; Act IV is 
tragic. 

20. In what mood is the audience expected to 
go away? 

Light hearted and happy. 



AS YOU LIKE IT 



ACT I SCENE I 



1. Why do people -find Orlando attractive? 

Because he is young, brave, sweet tem- 
pered, and ill treated. 



2. Are you interested in Rosalind and Celia? 

What Charles says of them in Scene i, 
lines 112-118 interests an audience at 
once. The naturalness of their conver- 
sation in Scene ii adds to that interest. 

3. What points in Rosalind's character are 
brought out in Scene iiif 

Her ready wit in the first 42 lines; her 
brave, calm, womanly dignity in the next 
80 lines; and her youthful high spirits 
in the last 25 lines. 



What purpose does Scene i serve? 

It shows the banished Duke; develops his 
character; rouses interest in him and his 
fortunes. 

45 



46 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

5. Why is the last part of this act (beginning 
with Scene iv) so broken up? 

The audience must see the fugitives on 
their way to the Forest of Arden and 
must also see the life to which they are 
going. In order to do this the short 
scenes were necessary. 



6. What are your first impressions of Jaquesf 

Perhaps you find this strange man inter- 
esting; perhaps he repels you. To many 
who know him well he is a delight. They 
find his egotism, his melancholy, his bored 
attitude toward everything, his satire, de- 
lightful. 

7. Practically everybody knows one of the 
speeches in Scene vii. Find it. 

Lines 139-166. 

8. Why does it make such an impression? 

Because of the poetic way in which the 
truthful observation is presented. 

act in 

9. Pick out the thmgs you particularly like in 
Scene ii. 

The passages chosen will be determined 
by the clearness with which the action is 



AS YOU LIKE IT 47 

visualized. The action here must be seen. 

10. Do you think it reasonable that Orlando 
should not recognize Rosalind? 

Yes. He has been in her company but 
for a few moments; he has left her safe 
in her uncle's home; he has no reason to 
suspect her banishment. 

11. What are the differences between Audrey, 
Phasbe, Silvius and Rosalind and Celia? 

Audrey, Phoebe, and Silvius are unlet- 
tered country people while Rosalind and 
Celia are from the Court, and have the 
refinement that Court-life would give. 

12. How has Shakespeare made these differences 
clear? 

By the way in which they speak; the 
country folk are blunt and outspoken. 
Rosalind and Celia conceal their real 
thoughts and feelings, only giving the 
audience hints. The differences are more 
clearly marked when the characters are 
seen on the stage, by costume and ac- 
tions. 



IS. Does this first scene seem natural? 

14. In what spirit should it be played? 

If the spirit of fun and make-believe which 
Rosalind and Orlando have adopted is ac- 



48 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

cepted by the reader this scene seems 
natural. 

15. Would Orlando's rescue of his brother have 
been more interesting had it been shown on 
the stage? 

No. Such a scene could not be staged. 
Snakes and lions could not play the 
parts ; imitations would "" be laughable. 
Ghastly, revolting scenes are generally 
given in the form of narrations. 

16. Does Oliver guess Rosalind's sex when she 
swoons? 

Some critics think he does, others think 
he does not. See Act V, Scene ii, lines 
21-22. 



17. Why doesn't Rosalind reveal her identity to 
her father sooner? 

Because she has been too much interested 
in her own affairs. 

18. Are you prepared for the conversion of Duke 
Frederick? 

No. 

19. Does it seem more or less reasonable than 
the reformation of Oliver? 

It seems less reasonable. 

20. Is the final decision of Jaques to remain in 
the forest appropriate to his character? 



AS YOU LIKE IT 49 

21. Why? 

Yes. He has seen the world and cares no 
more for it; he delights in idle specula- 
tion and thought, yet his thought leads to 
nothing. He is an excellent example of 
"an utterly useless yet perfectly harm- 
less man." One critic says, "Jaques has 
too much prudence to leave his retire- 
ment." 

22. In the epilogue why does Rosalind say, "If 
I were a woman . . . "f 

Because the part of Rosalind was played 
by a boy. All female parts were played 
by boys until the Restoration; women did 
not appear on the stage until 1660. 

GENERAL 

23. What makes this one of the most popular 
of Shakespeare' *s plays? 

Because of the delightful characters ; the 
fresh, sprightly dialogue; the natural 
and pleasant story. 

24. What scenes do you like best? 

25. What speeches do you like best? 

26. What speeches are worth memorizing? 

These questions must be answered by the 
reader himself. 



THE TAMING OF THE SHREW 

INDUCTION 

1. Describe Christopher Sly. 

Christopher Sly is a drunken tinker, with 
whom the hostess of the inn is quarreling 
outside the inn because of the glasses he 
has broken. 

£. Outline the induction. 

The first scene gives a good idea of Sly, 
and shows the lord coming in from hunt- 
ing with his fine hounds and his huntsmen. 
He discovers Sly in his drunken sleep. He 
decides to have Sly taken to his, the 
lord's, home, put in his best chamber, and 
treated as a most honored guest would 
be. Just after Sly has been taken away 
a servant says some strolling players offer 
their service to his lordship. He orders 
them to play before Sly. He has his page 
dress as a lady and pretend to be Sly's 
wife. 

S. In what frame of mind would this induction 
put an audience? 

This induction would put an audience in 
a very happy frame of mind. 
50 



THE TAMING OF THE SHREW 51 



4. What part of the story is told in Scene if 

This scene describes the two daughters of 
Baptista, Katharina and Bianca ; Bianca's 
three suitors and the father's refusal to 
accept any of them until Katharina has 
one. It tells of Lucentio's plan to woo 
Bianca unknown to her father. 

5. Why has Petruchio come to Padua? 

Petruchio has come to Padua to see some- 
thing of the world and to find a rich wife. 

6. How does he receive Hortensio*s suggestion 
about Katharina? 

He says he would like to meet Katharina 
at once, that if he married "wealthily, 
then it will be happily." 

ACT II — SCENE I 

7. Describe the comedy elements in this scene. 

Petruchio asks for Katharina and de- 
scribes her as possessing all the qualities 
which he knows she lacks. He presents 
Hortensio as a tutor, and Gremio presents 
Lucentio as a tutor of Greek and Latin. 
Tranio the servant, introduces himself as 
Lucentio. These are some of the comic 
elements. 



5& SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

8. What effect would the -first meeting of Petrw- 
chio and Kate produce on the stage? 

The first meeting of Petruchio and Kate 
would be very funny. This is the first 
time she has ever met anyone who was 
not afraid of her. 

9. What does Baptista say concerning his daugh- 
ter Bianca 9 s suitors? 

66 'Tis deeds must win the prize ; and he 
of both that can assure my daughter's 
greatest dower shall have my Bianca's 
love." Scene i, lines 344-346. 

act in — SCENE I 

10. Describe the Latin lesson and the waiting 
music teacher. 

The real Lucentio is trying to tell Bianca 
who he is, while pretending to teach her 
Latin. Hortensio is tuning his instru- 
ment, impatiently waiting to give her a 
music lesson and try to further his suit. 
Bianca shows that she is something of a 
coquette. 



11. How must Kate have felt when her fiance ar- 
rived for the wedding? 

Kate had protested against marrying Pe- 



THE TAMING OF THE SHREW 58 

truchio, she was chagrined when he did 
not appear at the appointed hour. When 
he did appear in his fantastic dress she 
certainly would not have married him if 
she had not feared him. 

12. How did Kate accept her first "taming"? 

Kate tries entreaty and then independence 
in vain. 

ACT IV 

13. How is the love-story progressing? 

Bianca's love-story is progressing rap- 
idly. Hortensio becomes disgusted and 
says he will be married to a wealthy 
widow. 

14. What part does the pedant play? 

The pedant plays the part of Lucentio's 
father, Vincentio. 



15. How does the story progress? 

The story progresses rapidly; while Bap- 
tista goes to make the marriage agree- 
ment with the supposed father the real 
Lucentio takes Bianca to the church and 
marries her. 

16. Was the use of the disguised identities a fa- 



54 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

vorite device of Shakespeare? Where has he 

used it in this play? 

Shakespeare made much use of disguised 
identities ; in this play Lucentio and Hor- 
tensio are disguised as teachers, Tranio 
as Lucentio, and the pedant as Vincentio. 



17. What is the strength of this play? 

The story of Katharina and Petruchio is 
the strong thing in the play. 

18. What is its weakness? Is the interest main- 
tained throughout? 

The weakness is the long drawn out story 
of Bianca and the numberless foolish in- 
trigues. The theme of the play seems 
nearer farce than comedy. 



ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL 



ACT I SCENE I 



Define the sorrow which Helena says she affects 

and that which she says she has. 

"Helena's affected sorrow was for the 
death of her father; her real grief related 
to Bertram and his departure." — Hudson. 



2. Is the clown an "idiot" silly by nature, or 
an "artificial" clown? 

He is like Touchstone, an "artificial" 
clown. 
S. Is the Countess sincere in what she says to 
Helena? 

She is shown to be so sincere, so sensible, 
so good as the play progresses that one 
must conclude she was sincere at this point. 

act ii — scene m 

4. Does Bertram appear in a favorable light in 
this scene? Why? 

Not very. He may be excused somewhat 

55 



m SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

for objecting to a forced marriage but 
his language might have been more mild. 
See lines 119-123. 

5. How would Helena act during lines 109-155? 

Her speech, lines 154-155, suggests that 
she acts in such a manner as would rouse 
our pity. 

6. In what respect is Helena arrogant? 

In choosing a man above her station, but 
especially in her belief that she could com- 
pel him to love her. Had she not been 
successful her arrogance would have been 
more conspicuous. 

ACT III SCENE IV 

7. What is your attitude toward Helena's action? 

SCENE V 

8. Is your interest in the story any greater? 
Why? 

Scenes 4 and 5. These are personal ques- 
tions. 

ACT iv — scene n 

9. Can you explain lines 20-31? 

Few passages in Shakespeare have been 
more belabored than this. To understand 
it, we must bear in mind what Bertram has 



ALUS WELL THAT ENDS WELL 51 

been doing and trying to do. He has been 
swearing love to Diana, and in the 
strength of that oath wants she should do 
that which would ruin her. This is what 
she justly calls lovmg her ill, because it 
is a love that seeks to injure her. She 
therefore retorts upon him, that oaths in 
such a suit are but an adding of perjury 
to lust. As to the latter part of the 
passage, we agree entirely with Mr. Col- 
lier, that "these lines have not been un- 
derstood on account of the inversion." 
The first him refers to Jove (God), and 
whom, not to this, but to the second him;: 
or rather whom and the latter him are 
correlative. The meaning, then, / at once 
appears, if we render the sentence thus: 
"This has no holding, this will not hold, to 
swear by Heaven that I will work against 
him, or seek his hurt, whom I protest to 
love." What, therefore, does she con- 
clude? why, that his oaths are no oaths, 
but mere words and poor, unseaVd, un- 
ratified conditions. — Henry N. Hudson. 



10. What dramatic purpose is served by this 
examination of Parollesf. 



58 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

By the exposure of Parolles, who has been 
the counselor of Bertram, the hint is given 
that Bertram's turn will come soon. 

ACT V SCENE III 

11. What does Bertram do that makes him seem 

even more unworthy? 

His whole treatment of Diana, but more 
especially what he says of her in lines 
187-188, 211-220. 
lL2. Tell the whole story of the two rings. Is 

your opinion of Helena affected by the fact 

that she does the wooing? 

Bertram announces by letter that he will 
not consider himself Helena's husband un- 
til she gets a certain ring from his finger. 
lAct III, Scene ii. Helena directs Diana to 
ask Bertram for his ring before she seem- 
ingly consents to grant his request. Act 
III, Scene vii. She does so and he gives her 
the ring, Act IV, Scene ii. She then tells 
him she will place a ring on his finger that 
night, Act IV, Scene ii. In Act V, Scene 
iii, Bertram gives this ring to Lafeu, who 
recognizes it as one Helena wore. The 
King asks to see it, says it is one he gave 
Helena, and suspects Bertram has killed 
his wife. At this point Diana appears ap- 
parently demanding that Bertram marry 



ALUS WELL THAT ENDS WELL 59 

her. She shows Bertram's family ring, tell- 
ing where and how she secured it. She asks 
for the ring he received the night he was 
with her. The King calls her attention to 
the ring Bertram has just given Lafeu and 
Diana says that is the one Bertram re- 
ceived on the occasion she has mentioned. 
Bertram then confesses that the ring was 
Diana's. Then the King wants to know 
where Diana got the ring. She sends her 
mother for Helena who appears, calls at- 
tention to the family ring which is not in 
Bertram's possession, and explains the 
whole plot. 

GENERAL 

13. One Shakespearian scholar says the heroine 
of this play is Shakespeare' s "loveliest crea- 
tion" Do you agree? Why? 

14. Does Helena enlist your sympathies? Why? 

15. Has Bertram redeeming qualities? 

The fact that Helena wanted him so badly 
would, perhaps, suggest that he had. We 
can hardly believe it, however, because 
they are not shown in the play. Audiences 
believe what they see more than they be- 
lieve what they hear. 

16. What is the central theme of this play? 

Love. 



TWELFTH NIGHT; or, WHAT YOU WILL 



1. What dramatic purpose does Shakespeare ef- 
fect in the opening lines of the play? 

He announces that love is to be the im- 
portant theme of the play. 

2. In Scene one, what information is given con- 
cerning the Duke? Concerning Olivia? 

That he is an educated gentleman ; attrac- 
tive ; political ; fond of music ; and in love, 
though his suit is not likely to succeed. 
That she is attractive; lovable; mourning 
her dead brother in an extravagant man- 
ner; not impressed by the love of the 
Duke. 

3. Why did Viola take service under the Duke? 

Having lost her brother in the shipwreck, 
Viola decides to remain in the neighbor- 
hood until she secures some news of him. 
She has no friends in Illyria; Olivia will 
see no one; the Duke is a bachelor so she 
cannot go to him openly; she, therefore, 
disguises herself and secures employment 
as a page. 

60 



TWELFTH NIGHT 61 

4. What revelation of himself does Sir Toby 
make in Scene Hi? 

That he is a hard drinking, boisterous, 
comical old chap who will entertain who- 
ever will listen to him, with his antics and 
his wit. 

5. Does Sir Andrew fit the description given by 
Sir Toby and Maria? 

Exactly. 

6. Does Scene Hi introduce a new element into 
the play? 

Yes, the comic element supplied by the 
common people. 

7. Does Viola's position in the opinion of the 
Duke come as a surprise? 

Having heard the love-lorn speeches of 
the Duke in Scene i and having seen the 
attractiveness of Viola in Scene ii her high 
position in the Duke's opinion does not 
come as a surprise. 

8. In the fifth scene does Viola aid the Duke in 
his wooing? 

No. See lines 313-317. 

9. Does this situation remind you of another of 
Shakespeare's plays in which a woman falls 
in love with another woman disguised as a 
man? 

"As You Like It." 



62 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



ACT n SCENE I 

10. Why does Sebastian mention his resemblance 
to Viola? 

To foreshadow the coming mistakes in 
their identity. 

11. What is the purpose of Scene Hi? 

It carries on the amusing sub-plot. 
IS. In Scene iv, what dramatic purpose does the 

clown's comment on the Duke's changeable- 

ness serve? 

It keeps the idea of the Duke's lack of 
constancy before the audience. The trans- 
fer of his affections from Olivia to Viola 
at the end of the play makes it necessary 
that his inconstancy be emphasized. 

13. Do you enjoy the -fifth scene? Why? 

This is considered one of the most delight- 
ful scenes of Shakespeare. The situation 
is extremely funny; the wit clean. 

14. What mental quality does Malvolio lack? 

Tolerance. 



15. Was Olivia unmaidenly in declaring her love 
for Viola? 

Convention suggests she was. The differ- 
ence in their social positions might give 
Olivia some excuse. 



TWELFTH NIGHT 63 

16. Are you less interested in her because she 
did? 

17. Is your interest further aroused by Scene ii? 

18. Does the episode of the duel appeal to you 
as humorous? 

These are personal questions. 

19. To whom is Viola talking just after An- 
tonio's exit in Scene iv? 

She is "thinking out loud." The other 
characters are not supposed to hear her. 



20. How is the plot further complicated by 
Scene i? 

By the appearance of Sebastian and the 
mistakes everyone makes in thinking he 
is Caesario (Viola). 

21. Why does Olivia invite Sebastian to her 
house? 

The action is to be transferred to Olivia's 
house, where the story will end. This is 
the first step toward gathering the char- 
acters and action in one place. 

22. Do you find the second scene humorous? 
Why? 

To be answered by the reader. 



m SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



23. What character clears up the action of the 
play? 

Sebastian. 

24. How does Olivia act when she learns she has 
married an utter stranger? 

Surprised but not dismayed. She has 
known and loved Sebastian's double. 

25. Does the sudden transfer of the Duke's affec- 
tions to Viola seem natural? 

His changeable character has been empha- 
sized several times in order to make this 
transfer seem more natural. 

26. What becomes of the other characters — es- 
pecially Malvolio, Sir Toby, and Sir An- 
drew? 

" !. :. . in the end all the persons but 
two either have what they will, or grow 
willing to have what comes to their hand." 

GENERAL 

27. Does the confusion of identity remind you of 
another of Shakespeare' 's plays? 

The Comedy of Errors. 

28. Is the Duke's character presented consis- 
tently throughout the play? 

He is consistently shown to be inconstant. 



TWELFTH NIGHT 65 

29. Did you enjoy the reading? Why? 

Shakespeare connects the Duke and his 
group of friends with Olivia and those 
about her. 



THE WINTER'S TALE 

ACT I SCENE II 

1. Did Leontes have any cause for jealousy here? 

Leontes had no cause for jealousy, he asks 
Hermione to urge Polixenes to prolong his 
visit. Shakespeare has portrayed in Leon- 
tes a jealousy without cause, — cruel, vin- 
dictive, and remorseless almost beyond 
belief. 

2. What does he order Camillo to do? 

He orders Camillo to prepare a poisoned 
drink and give it to Polixenes. 

3. Does he execute the order? 

No, instead he warns Polixenes and flees 
with him to Bohemia. 

act h — SCENE I 

4. What do the lords and ladies think of the 
queen? 

The lords and ladies feel confident of the 
queen's innocence. Lines 130-150. 

5. Does she act as a guilty woman would be ex- 
pected to act? 

She has a dignity, calmness, and self-pos- 
66 



THE WINTER'S TALE 67 

session without arrogance that a guilty 
person could not have. 
6. What does Leontes expect to learn from the 
Oracle? 

Leontes expects to have his suspicions 
verified by the Oracle. 



.7. Is Leontes becoming more suspicious? 

In this scene Leontes is almost mad and 
suspects all of his attendants. 

ACT HI SCENE II 

8. How does the Oracle affect Leontes? 

He is angered by the news from the Oracle 
and orders the trial to proceed. 

9. What misfortunes follow? 

The prince's death is announced and the 
queen faints. Leontes thinks that she, too, 
is dead. 

llO. What is the king's attitude? 

Leontes becomes repentant and resolves to 
do penance by visiting daily the grave in 
which he thinks his wife and son are 
buried. 

11. What is the meaning of the name Perdita? 
Perdita means lost. 



68 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

ACT IV SCENE TV 

12. In what ways is Perdita made superior to her 
surroundings? 

Perdita dresses in unusual clothes because 
of the sheep-shearing feast. She talks well 
as she distributes her flowers using much 
imagination and discernment. She is very 
attractive in appearance. See the speech 
of Polixenes about her. — Lines 154-159. 

13. Do you like the love-story of this act? Why? 

The love-story in this act is pleasing be- 
cause the audience knows who Perdita is. 

ACT V SCENE I 

14. Sixteen years have passed. Has the charac- 
ter of Leontes changed? 

Leontes has been much softened and 
broadened by his sorrows of the sixteen 
years. 

SCENE III 

15. Do you think Hermione should have forgiven 
Leontes so readily? 

Hermione has waited all these years with- 
out trying to influence Leontes in any 
way; now, when Perdita appears, she is 
ready to go to her husband again; like a 
noble woman she forgives him completely. 

16. Do you like this act? Why? 

To be answered by the reader. 



THE WINTER'S TALE 69 



17. Which character is made most important in 
this play? 

Leontes is made most important. 

18. On what incident is the action of the whole 
play based? 

The action of the whole play is based 
upon Polixenes's decision to prolong his 
visit upon the request of Hermione after 
refusing to do so upon the request of 
Leontes. 

19. Compare Perdita with Miranda in "The Tem- 
pest." 

Perdita resembles Miranda more than she 
does any of Shakespeare's other heroines. 
Perdita is reared by the old shepherd and 
his wife. But in spite of this, she has a 
certain queenliness and dignity which she 
inherited from her mother. She seems out 
of place among these lowly folk. Miranda 
has been reared on the island by her father 
and has seen no one except Ariel and 
Caliban. She has a true womanliness and 
sweetness, but does not seem to have the 
playfulness and freedom that Perdita has. 
Their isolation from others of their sex, 
from their real position in life, and their 
girlishness are what probably suggests the 
comparison. 



LIFE AND DEATH OF KING JOHN 

ACT I SCENE I 

II. What message comes from France? 

The king of France demands for Arthur, 
son of Geoffrey, John's elder brother, 
England, Ireland, Potiers, Anjou, Tou- 
raine, and Maine. 

2. What qualities does the reader admire in 
Philip? 

His utter frankness and bravery. 

3. Can you account for Philip's wish to be known 
as the illegitimate son of Richard Cozur-de- 
Lion? 

Richard Coeur-de-Lion was regarded as a 
great warrior and a wonderful personage, 
so Philip would rather be known as his 
natural son than as the legitimate son of 
Sir Robert Faulconbridge, a man com- 
paratively unknown. 

ACT II — SCENE I 

4. Does this situation seem natural; the discus- 
sion between Ellinor and Constance while all 
the men are waiting? 

70 



LIFE AND DEATH OF KING JOHN, 71 

This scene appears rather forced. It is 
not likely that all men on both sides would 
stand waiting while Constance and Ellinor 
engage in a quarrel. 

5. How do you account for both the French and 
the English claiming the victory of Angiers?, 
Lines 300-312. 

The battle was indecisive, so each claimed 
the victory. 

6. How is the question finally settled? 

A treaty of peace is finally concluded. 
Blanche, a niece of John, marries Lewis 
Dauphin of France — for her dowry. John 
gives certain of the English provinces. 

7. What are the principal thoughts in the bas- 
tard's soliloquy? 

The bastard rails at kings and says that 
France went into this war as God's sol- 
dier but has withdrawn to a most base and 
vile-concluded peace — drawn on by Com- 
modity — which meant self interest. He 
says Commodity has not wooed him yet, so 
he will rail. 

act ni — SCENE I 

8. What are your feelings toward Constance? 

This scene more than any other in which 
she appears wins the admiration of the 
audience for Constance. 



72 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

9. What are her predominating characteristics? 

A strong will and deep maternal affec- 
tion. 

10. Does King Philip succeed in pacifying her? 

No, Philip speaks to her which only ex- 
cites her more; then Lymoges of Austria 
cries "Peace" ; she delivers a tirade against 
him when the Papal Legate comes in. 
ill'. Why does the bastard keep reiterating, "And 

hang a calfs-skin on his recreant limbs" to 

Austria? 

Constance says in speaking to Austria, 
"Thou wear a lion's hide! Doff it for 
shame, and hang a calf's-skin on those 
recreant limbs." Austria replies, "0 that 
a man should speak those words to me." 
Philip keeps reiterating them because Aus- 
tria had killed Richard Coeur-de-Lion and 
adopted the lion skin of Richard as his 
own adornment in commemoration of that 
event. Philip resolves to avenge his 
father's death. 



12. What do you think of John's instructions to 
Hubert regarding the death of young Ar- 
thur? 

They are despicable; he gives Hubert the 



LIFE AND DEATH OF KING JOHN 73 

notion that he wants Arthur killed, but 
tries to do it in such a way that he can 
not be held responsible for his nephew's 
death. 



13. Is this a good picture of maternal agony? 

Yes, here she has forgotten her desire for 
revenge and is mourning for her son. See 
lines 93-105. 



ACT IV SCENE I 

14. Would such a scene as this find place in a 
modern play? Why? 

Such a scene would not find place in a 
modern play. It is too agonizing, too 
tragic. No one nowadays wants to see a 
child about to have his eyes burned out. 



ACT V SCENE VI 

15. Was the cause of John's death a surprise? 
This was a surprise because John had 
yielded to the Papal demands ; as he was 
still fighting with France, one would nat- 
urally think he would be killed in battle. 



74. SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



16. Point out the reasons for saying that the 
imprisonment of Arthur was the turning 
point in John's fortunes. 

Up to the imprisonment of Arthur John 
had been victorious in his enterprises. 
When he gives his veiled instructions to 
Hubert, he shows his terribly cruel nature. 
When Arthur's body is found by the three 
nobles, they join the Dauphin; then John 
yields to the Papal demands but Lewis 
refuses to turn back. He claims the 
crown by right of marriage since Arthur 
is dead. An indecisive battle is fought. 
The English nobles return and are par- 
doned. Then John is poisoned by the 
monk. / 



THE TRAGEDY OF KING RICHARD II 

ACT I SCENE I 

1. Which character interests you most? 

2. Why? 

S. What important information is given the 
reader in Scene iv? (See lines 23-36). 

That Bolingbroke was very popular with 
the people and that he courted their good 
will. A man who courts favor does so 
for a purpose. 

ACT II SCENE I 

4. What do you think of the king's attitude to- 
ward the dying John of Gaunt? 

5. What will come of Richard's action in seizing 
the property of John of Gaunt? 

The act will enrage the old man's son. He 
will naturally try to regain the property. 

6. Where in Act II . is the first suggestion of 
coming trouble? 

Lines 91-114. 

7. Are you attracted to Bolingbroke in this act? 

8. Why? 

75 



!76 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED, 

ACT HI SCENE I 

9. When Richard receives the news brought by 
Salisbury and by Scroop does he act as you 
would expect him to? 

Read lines 144-185. Is this the speech of 
a strong king? 

10. Does he act in a kingly manner in Scene Hi? 

No. Instead of meeting this powerful man 
with power he makes speeches and gives 
him fair words. How differently Boling- 
broke would have acted had he been king! 



11. Do you find this act interesting? 

The spectacle of a strong man doing 
things is generally interesting. 

12. Are your sympathies with Richard or with 
Bolingbrohe? 

13. Why? 

Our sympathies are usually with the under 
dog, but Richard has talked so much and 
done so little that his fortune seems rather 
appropriate. 

ACT V SCENE V 

14. What is your opinion of Richard 9 s soliloquy? 

It shows him to be a better philosopher 
than he was king. 



THE TRAGEDY OF KING RICHARD II 77 

15. Does BolingbroJce deal justly with Extonf 

Yes. 

GENERAL 

16. Compare the two characters Richard and 
BolingbroJce. 

Richard was emotional, lacking will power, 
philosophical, verbose, weak. Bolingbroke 
was determined, designing, subtle, unemo- 
tional, cold, treacherous, powerful. 

17. Which deserved the kingdom? 



THE FIRST PART OF KING HENRY IV 

ACT I SCENE I 

1. What was Henri/ preparing to do when news 
was brought of the "fighting in Wales and also 
in the North? 

Henry was preparing for a crusade. 
% What comparison does the King make between 
Hotspur and his own son? 

The King wishes that Hotspur, "who is 
the theme of honor's tongue," were his son 
in place of his Harry, who loves riot and 
fast company. 



How do you account for the fact that an 
audience of Shakespeare's day would sit 
through a scene like this and a modern audi- 
ence would not? Is it interesting to you? 

In Shakespeare's time, the theater was the 
chief place of amusement. There was not 
the hurry and bustle of the present. 
There was no scenery to shift and no waits 
between scenes. The speeches were the 
78 



THE FIRST PART OF KING HENRY IV 79 

main attraction. In these speeches are 
lines which would be very funny to them, 
but would be meaningless to a modern 
audience. 



4. Comment upon Shakespeare's power of de- 
scription after reading this speech of Hot- 
spur's — lines S9-70. 

These lines show Shakespeare's wonderful 
descriptive power. Here is a man ex- 
hausted and dirty from battle, leaning on 
his sword, when one of the courtiers im- 
maculately dressed comes up with a mes- 
sage from the King, demanding among 
other things, the prisoners. This courtier 
knew nothing of battle, and the sights dis- 
gusted him. The sight of him provoked 
Hotspur. 
£>. Why did the king refuse to ransom Mortimer? 
Sir Edmund Mortimer was uncle to the 
young Earl of March, the next rightful 
heir to the throne after Richard II. 
Henry was probably afraid Mortimer 
might try to place his nephew on the 
throne. 



80 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



6. What are the important points in this act? 

This act shows Falstaff and Prince Henry 
at some of their mischief. It shows that 
Hotspur is worried about the rebellion. 
The sheriff goes to the tavern to arrest 
Falstaff for stealing, but the Prince saves 
him. During their revelry a messenger 
brings word of Hotspur's rising in the 
North ; Henry says he will go to court the 
next morning. 

act in — SCENE II 

7. How does Shakespeare bring Prince Henry 
into a favorable light? 

By introducing the long interview with 
his father in which the Prince acknowl- 
edges his waywardness and arouses himself 
to a sense of his responsibilities. 

ACT IV SCENE III 

8. How does Hotspur justify himself and his 
comrades for this war? 

Hotspur says that after Bolingbroke be- 
came King Henry IV, he demanded tribute 
from the whole state ; permitted March to 
lie in Wales without being ransomed; dis- 



THE FIRST PART OF KING HENRY IV 81 

missed Worcester from the council-board; 
sought to entrap Hotspur; drove his 
father from court; and broke oath upon 
oath. Lines 90-105. 



ACT V SCENE II 

9. Why was Hotspur not informed of the King's 
offer? 

Worcester says they will be all undone if 
Hotspur hears of the King's offer. He 
says the King cannot keep his word with 
them — that he will always suspect them. 
Lines 1-25. 



10. Why was Hotspur's death necessary for the 
action of the play? 

Hotspur had rebelled from the beginning 
of the play — there was no other solution 
than his death. He was the leading spirit 
in the rebellion. If he had been imprisoned 
there would have been continuous plots to 
release him. Prince Henry's killing him 
shows the audience that the Prince's cour- 
age is real courage; overcoming Falstaff 
in the stealing scene might not have re- 
quired any valor. 



SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED^ 



SCENE xn 

11. What generous act does Prince Harry per- 
form? 

The Prince grants the Earl of Douglas his 
freedom without ransom. Lines 25-31. 

12. Is this sudden conversion of Prince Henry a 
natural transition from boyhood to manhood, 
or does the author do this to make a spec- 
tacular ending for his play? 

Some critics say Henry V. is Shakespeare's 
only hero — others say that his memory 
was revered in history as no other Eng- 
lish king's since Alfred. In the first part 
of the play he is used to show off Falstaff ; 
in the last part the author makes him 
rise to the dignity of his position in a 
spectacular though natural way. * Though 
extremely wild, Henry never shows any 
vicious or mean traits in the whole play. 



13. What criticism would you offer of the play 
as a whole? 

Henry IV's character does not stand out 
as prominently as the principal character 
usually does. It neither attracts nor re- 
pels. The most likable character in the 



THE FIRST PART OF KING HENR Y IV 83 

play, Hotspur, is killed. The part of 
Prince Henry is interestingly drawn. 
14. Give a critical estimate of the part of Falstaff 
in the whole 'production. 

Sir John Falstaff is the most notable figure 
in English comedy. He makes his first ap- 
pearance in I Henry IV, as the boon com- 
panion of Prince Henry. He is noted for 
his wit and his drinking. He is the one 
who adds the comic element to the play and 
prevents it from being a mere chronicle. 



THE SECOND PART OF KING HENRY IV 

ACT I SCENE I 

1. Why does Bardolph give Northumberland false 
reports of Shrewsbury? 

Before disaster success is always built up, 
so that the misfortune will seem more 
acute. Lord Bardolph comes in and tells 
what he has heard from a gentleman who 
had been at Shrewsbury. Lord Bardolph 
believes what he tells Northumberland. In 
the opening of the play, Rumor acting as 
Chorus says she gives false reports ; in 
Scene i, we find this report. 

2. What effect does the real news have upon him? 

The real news makes Northumberland 
swear to go at once with his men and 
avenge the death of his son, but true to 
himself as in the first part of Henry IV, 
he remains at home. 

SCENE II 

3. Of what value to the play is this scene? 

This scene being one of comedy gives 
strength to the preceding and succeeding 
84 



SECOND PART OF KING HENRY IV 85 

scenes. It gives the audience a chance 
to laugh and relax. 

ACT II — SCENE II 

. How do you account for Prince Henry's being 
willing to disguise himself to wait upon Fal- 

r? 

Before the battle of Shrewsbury, Prince 
Henry had been noted for his low com- 
panions and madcap pranks. In Scene i 
he says he could be very sad because of the 
illness of his father, but everyone would 
call him a hypocrite. Now he has a chance 
to play a trick on Falstaff as in former 
days, so he seizes the opportunity and thus 
forgets his responsibilities. 



5. What effect does being an onlooker instead of 
a participator in such a revel have upon 
Henry? 

Prince Henry is disgusted with the whole 
revel and regrets the time he has spent 
there. Lines 390-395. 

ACT IV SCENE II 

6. Would a modern audience accept such treach- 
ery as John committed? 



86 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

A modern audience would not accept such 
treachery. A Prince in a modern play 
would be required to keep his word. 



7. Why does the Prince remove the crown from 
his father's pillow? What does the King think 
is the reason? 

Henry removes the crown from his father's 
pillow because he says it is a troublesome 
bed-fellow. He thinks his father dead. 
The King thinks Henry is eager to take 
his place. 

8. Would a dying man be able to make such a 
long speech? Was he not jealous of his crown? 

Probably not. Henry IV had so much 
trouble with it, it was his dearest posses- 
sion and he wanted to keep it as long as 
he possibly could. 

ACT V SCENE II 

9. How do you account for Henry V'$ retaining 
his father's chief justice? 

The Chief Justice explained the reason he 
committed the Prince to prison so well 
that the Prince, now become Henry V, tells 
him to keep the unstained sword. It is a 
device of the author to win the audience's 
approval for another of Harry's deeds. 



SECOND PART OF KING HENRY IV 87 



10,, What happened to Falstaff? 

Falstaff was ordered to the Fleet with all 
his companions to stay until their con- 
versation seemed more modest. 



11. What purpose does the Induction serve? The 
Epilogue? 

The induction serves as a link between 
the first part of Henry IV and the second 
part. The epilogue says that if the audi- 
ence be not too weary the author will con- 
tinue the story with Sir John in it and 
Katherine of France. Falstaff is the prin- 
cipal character in this second part and 
had taken London by storm and the author 
wished to retain public interest. 3}ut he 
evidently changed his mind, for Falstaff 
does not appear in person in Henry V. 

12. What do you think of the second part of King 
Henry IV as compared with the first part? 

There is much more comedy in the second 
part of King Henry IV; the wars are sec- 
ondary in Part &. It lacks the glory of 
the first part; it has not the strength of 
Part 1. 



THE LIFE OF KING HENRY ST, 



1. In what way does the first prologue give the 
hey note of the play? 

In the spirited references to great military 
deeds. 

2. Why are prologues employed in this play? 

To narrate events which are not or cannot 
be shown on the stage and to suggest to 
the audience what is about to be shown. 

3. Was Henry ignorant of the details given in 
this act? 

No. 

4. Why are they given so fully? 

They are reviewed here in order to refresh 
Henry's memory. Of course the real pur- 
pose is to inform the audience, not Henry. 

5. Do you like Henry's reply to the French Am- 
bassadors? 

6. Why? 

A dignified, forceful, fearless statement is 
generally interesting. How different is 
this reply from the one Richard II would 
have made! 



THE LIFE OF KING HENRY V 89 



7. What is the substance of the prologue? 

All England has made great preparations 
for the war. France has found three trai- 
tors who, for gold, have agreed to kill the 
king. The action will take place in Eng- 
land and in France. 



8. Can you describe the personal appearance of 
these characters from their conversation? 

They are wordy cowards, hard drinking, 
low, dishonest rogues. 

9. Why were such characters introduced in the 
play? 

They appeared in Henry IV; since this 
is a continuation of that story they natu- 
rally appear. They furnish the comic ele- 
ment which entertained. The parts were 
written for those members of Shakespeare's 
company who always played low comedy 
parts. 
ilO. What does Henry do in this act to compel 
your respect? 

The stern, dignified, sorrowful manner in 
which he gives the conspirators over to 
justice merits our respect. 



90 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

11. What is the dramatic purpose of Scene iv? 

It presents to the audience those who are 
to oppose Henry and his forces in the com- 
ing action. 



il2. From what Chorus says in this prologue can 
you tell what is to happen in this act? 

Beginning with line 25 the action of Act 
III is outlined. 
13. Do you like Henry s speeches before Har- 
fleur? 

You should. The one in Scene i is known 
by almost everyone who knows Shakes- 
peare. 
.14. Contrast the speeches of the French king with 
those of Henry. 

They are the speeches of brave men. 



15. Note what Chorus tells you in the prologue. 

The low opinion of the French for the 
English; the condition of the English 
troops ; the manner in which Henry spent 
the night; the inability of the actors to 
represent adequately the great battle of 
Agincourt. 

16. Does Henry's talk with his soldiers, and his 



THE LIFE OF KING HENRY V 91 

subsequent soliloquy, serve any dramatic pur- 
pose? 

Dramatic suspense is created. 

17. Do you think the practical joke Henry plays 
on Williams would naturally follow the bat- 
tle? 

After the period of great suspense which 
preceded the battle had given way to joy 
at the success of the English arms such a 
joke seems natural. 

18. What purpose does it serve? 

It shows the human, democratic nature of 
this popular English king. 



!19. What purpose does this prologue serve? 

It shows the way the English people re- 
ceived their victorious king and, with apol- 
ogies — lines 3-6 — passes over a period of 
about five years. 

20. What becomes of the comedy characters? 

Falstaff and Pistol's wife (Mrs. Quickly) 
are dead; Nym and Bardolph have been 
hanged; Pistol goes to England intending 
to lead a life of crime; the Boy walked 
away in Act IV, Scene iv. 

21. Do you like Henry as a lover? 

His blunt, honest, unpolished Speeches 
make us smile and wish him success. 



92 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

22. Is there a real reason for giving the epilogue? 
Henry VI, son of Henry V, lost all his 
father had won; the epilogue rounds out 
the story. 



23. In what ways does this play differ from others 
you have read? 

The Henry V constitutes an exception to 
the general rules upon which Shakespeare 
worked. "High actions" are here de- 
scribed as well as exhibited ; and high pas- 
sions, in the Shakespearian sense of the 
term, scarcely make their appearance upon 
the scene. Here are no struggles between 
will and fate; no frailties of humanity 
dragging down its virtues into an abyss of 
guilt and sorrow ; no crimes ; no obduracy ; 
no penitence. We have the lofty and un- 
conquerable spirit of national and indi- 
vidual heroism riding triumphantly over 
every danger l#J lm . — Knight, Pictorial 
Shakespeare. 

24. To what type of drama does it belong? 

It is a chronicle play of the historical type. 

25. Are you attracted by the character of Henry? 

26. Which prologue do you like best? Why? 



THE FIRST PART OF KING HENRY VI 

ACT I SCENE I 

1. Can you tell from this scene what the story of 
this play is to be? 

We learn that the great Henry V is dead, 
and that Gloucester is to be Lord Pro- 
tector. We see the nobles are ready to 
quarrel; we learn that several great cities 
are lost to the English ; that all France is 
in revolt and the Dauphin has been 
crowned king. These events certainly sug- 
gest the coming story. 



£. What are your impressions of Joan La Pucellef 
She speaks bravely, directly, somewhat 
boastfully perhaps, but as one having au- 
thority. 

scene in 

S. What do you learn of the characters and am- 
bitions of Winchester and Gloucester? 

They are contentious, ambitious, disloyal, 
proud, self-seeking men. 
93 



94 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

SCENE V 

4. What do you think of Talbot's speeches? 

ACT II SCENE I 

5. Do you think this scene treats English and 
French impartially? 

6. Why? 

SCENES IV AND V 

7. What do you think of Warwick? 

8. What do you think of Richard Plantagenet? 

act in — SCENE I 

9. What special speech is prophetic? 

The speech of Richard Plantagenet, lines 
61-64. 

10. Is Shakespeare fair to the French in this act? 

His treatment here is the same as in Act 
II. These plays were written for English 
audiences and it was the custom in Shake- 
speare's day to ridicule the enemies of 
England. 



11. What are the important events of this act? 
Henry is crowned at Paris ; Talbot is sent 
to punish the Duke of Burgundy for his 



THE FIRST PART OF KING HENRY VI 95 

revolt; York and Somerset quarrel; Tal- 
bot and his son are surrounded by a su- 
perior force ; the quarrel between York and 
Somerset prevents the sending of rein- 
forcements ; Talbot and his son are killed. 



12. Are your sympathies aroused by the fate of 
Joan of Arc? 

13. Why? 

GENERAL 

14. What is Shakespeare 9 s attitude toward Henry 
VI as developed in the portrayal of his char- 
acter throughout the play? 

Shakespeare develops a Henry without 
ambition, passive, insensible to the re- 
sponsibilities which are his. 

15. Was the policy of the Bishop of Winchester 
selfish? 

He was undoubtedly jealous of the grow- 
ing power of Gloucester. 

16. Why did Shakespeare make the Joan of Arc 
of this play so different from the Joan of Arc 
of history? 

He wrote with an Englishman's prejudices 
— for an English audience. It must also 
be remembered that in his day very little 
was really known about Joan of Arc. 



THE SECOND PART OF KING HENRY VI 



What passages in this act foreshadow events 

found in Act II? 

There are many, the more important be- 
ing: lines 75-103; 147-171; Scene ii, lines 
87-107; and the Queen's speeches in Scene 
iii. 



2. Why is the fact that Margaret had no dowry 
important? 

It was one of the causes of Gloucester's 
opposition to Margaret. 

SCENE II 

3. Do the people know Suffolk is their enemy? 

Yes. 

ACT n SCENE I 

4. The speeches seem to be but light conversa- 
tion; have they deeper significance? 

96 



SECOND PART OF KING HENRY VI 97 

Yes, they refer to the determination to 
ruin Gloucester, which occurs later. 

SCENE IV 

5. Do you pity the Duchess of Gloucester? Why? 

ACT III SCENE I 

6. What are your feelings toward the Queen? 

7. Toward Gloucester? 

8. What do you think of the King? 



9. What is the most important episode in this 
act? 

The return of York at the head of his 
armed troops and his demand for the Duke 
of Somerset. 

10. Why is it important? 

Because the interview which follows ends 
in York's rebellion and defeat of the King. 

ACT V SCENE I 

11. What do you think of York's first speech? 

SCENES I AND II 

12. Are his actions equal to his words? 

He makes brave speeches, but they are not 
more brave than his actions. 



98 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



SCENE II 



13. Why does Shakespeare have York kill Clif- 
ford? 

In order to prepare the audience for the 
vengeance of his son on York and Rutland. 



14. Is this the story of the fortunes of one man 
or is it more the story of events and men? 

It is more the story of events and men. 

15. Was Margaret justified in her opinion of her 
husband? 

Yes. 

16. Is this Second Part of Henry VI developed 
from Part One? 

This second part of Henry VI continues 
the threads of the story given in Part One 
in almost every particular. The two 
stories are as closely connected as any two 
acts in either. 



THE THIRD PART OF KING HENRY VI 

ACT I SCENE I 

1. Does King Henry act as you would expect the 
son of Henry the Fifth to act? 

At first glance, no ; but as he becomes more 
familiar we recognize traits and habits 
seen in his father. At times, especially 
during moments of stress, he shows some 
of his father's spirit and energy but as 
soon as he has time to adjust his mind the 
traces of Henry V disappear. 



What do you think of Richard's argument, 

lines 22-34? 

The obligation of an oath is here eluded by 
a very despicable sophistry. A lawful 
magistrate alone has the power to exact an' 
oath, but the oath derives no part of its 
force from the magistrate . . . (John- 
son) Henry N. Hudson. 



100 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



ACT II SCENES I AND H 

S. Are your sympathies with Edward, Richard, 
and Warwick, or with Margaret, and Clifford? 
Why? 



4. What is the real nature of King Henry? Is 
he a coward? 

Henry was no coward, witness his death in 
Act V, Scene vi. He was so afraid of 
doing wrong he did nothing; he carried 
self-sacrifice to the point where it became 
a vice; the responsibilities of king-ship 
overpowered him; he would have been a 
better monk than king. 

ACT HI — scene n 

5. What evidence is given in this scene that Ed- 
ward's character was understood? 

The asides of Gloucester and Clarence. 



6. Summarize the important events in this act. 

The French king and Warwick, offended 
by Edward's marriage to Lady Grey, join 
forces with Margaret and march against 



THE THIRD PART OF KING HENRY VI 101 

him. Edward is captured and the crown 
restored to Henry. Edward escapes, his 
friends rally round him with troops, they 
capture Henry and confine him in the 
Tower. 

ACT V SCENE IV 

jf. What is your opinion of Queen Margaret's 
speech, lines 1-38? 

She speaks like a man. Had Henry pos- 
sessed the qualities of his Queen his enemies 
could not have overcome him. 



8. In what respects is Prince Edward different 
from his father? 

He does not lack determination; is not 
afraid of hurting the feelings of others; 
fully realizes what is due him and his 
father and demands it. 

9. Do you find a suggestion in this scene of the 
murder of King Henry? 

See Gloucester's speeches, lines 46-50 and 
the speech of Clarence, lines 84-85. 



10. How closely connected are the three parts of 
the play? 



102 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

They are as closely connected as are the 
acts. 

11. Have you been interested throughout the 
three parts? Why? 

12. Do you think a modern audience would be 
interested by the plays? Why? 

Probably not. The fact that they are not 
played nowadays is evidence on this point. 
A modern audience is not likely to be in- 
terested in historical events, and these 
three plays are more of events than of per- 
sons. No one character dominates the ac- 
tion as in Macbeth, Lear, or The Mer- 
chant of Venice. 

13. Richard appears in another play. What do 
you expect? 

Read the last 70 lines of Act III, Scene ii ; 
the last 36 lines of Act V, Scene vi; and 
Gloucester's asides in Act V, Scene yii. 



THE TRAGEDY OF KING RICHARD III 

ACT I SCENE I 

I. What makes this first speech of Richard, Duke 
of Gloucester, one of the famous speeches of 
Shakespeare? 

The description of the peaceful condition 
of England, the villain who gives it, and 
the villainy he plans. 



Are your sympathies aroused by this scene? 
Why? 

ACT II SCENE n 

What is the purpose of the scene between the 
Duchess of York and her grandchildren? 

It emphasizes Richard's villainy. 
Why is the third scene introduced? 

To show that Richard is suspected by 

some; to announce the tragic events which 

are to come. 

103 



104 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



ACT in SCENE IV 

6. Is the last speech of Hastings important? 

7. Why? 

Yes ; it foreshadows the death of those 
who have brought about his death. 

SCENE VII 

8. What advice does Buckingham offer Richard? 

He tells Richard not to grant the audience 
quickly, and when he does appear, to stand 
between two churchmen with a prayer-book 
in his hand. Richard is not to be won 
easily. 

act rv 

9. What purpose does Scene Hi serve? 

It emphasizes the wickedness of Richard 
and gives the first suggestion of the oppo- 
sition which is gathering. 



10. What feelings are aroused by this scene? 

Hope that Richard may soon be punished 
for his wicked deeds. 

ACT V SCENE III 

11. Why are the ghosts introduced in this scene? 

They show that Richard's conscience is at 



the tragedy of king richard in ios 

last aroused; they recall to the audience 
the monstrous crimes Richard has com- 
mitted; they foreshadow the doom which 
is about to overtake him. 
1£. Could they be used in a modern play? 

The fact that ghosts are not used in mod- 
ern plays suggests the answer. Belief in 
the supernatural was general in Shake- 
speare's day; it is not so general now. 



13. Is the last speech of Richard in keeping with 
his manner of living? 

"Slave, I have set my life upon a cast, 
And I will stand the hazard of the die." 
This has been the policy of his whole life. 



14. When is your interest in the outcome of the 
story first aroused? 

15. What causes it? 

16. Do Richard's deformities have any bearing 
upon his actions? 

Yes. They wounded his pride; poisoned 
his whole nature; and drove him to resent 
all advances because he knew they were 
made in spite of his unattractive appear- 
ance. 



106 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

17. Would Richard's motives have been clear 
enough without his many soliloquies? 

The audience would not have understood 
his character at once. His motives might 
appear clearly, but not clearly enough; 
certainly not soon enough. 

18. Why was this play popular in Shakespeare's 
day? 

Because of the theme, and the great actor 
who played the part of Richard. 



THE FAMOUS HISTORY OF THE LIFE OF 
KING HENRY VIII 

ACT I SCENE I 

1. What do you learn concerning Cardinal Wol- 
sey in this scene? 

Cardinal Wolsey seems to be the moving 
spirit of the English Court. He planned 
the meeting of the French and English 
kings. He is thought to be making a secret 
treaty with Charles V of Germany. He 
has the Duke of Buckingham arrested, 
charged with high treason, because the 
Duke had quarreled with him. 

SCENE II 

%. What important happening marks this scene? 
The Queen begs the King to remove some 
of the heavy taxation that Wolsey has put 
upon the subjects. 



3. What is the object of this scene? 

This scene introduces Anne Boleyn to the 
107 



108 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

audience and thus paves the way for Hen- 
ry's divorce. 

ACT II SCENE I 

4. How does Shakespeare treat Buckingham 9 s 
case? 

Shakespeare presents Buckingham as a 
popular and well liked Duke, who is falsely 
accused and sentenced to death as a 
traitor. 

5. Why did the Cardinal wish to get rid of Buck- 
ingham? 

Buckingham had opposed some of the Car- 
dinal's plans, especially the meeting be- 
tween Henry VIII and Francis of France. 



6. What reason does the King give for wanting to 
divorce Katharine? What was the real cause? 
The King says his conscience troubles him, 
because he married his brother's wife. The 
real cause was his desire to marry Anne 
Boleyn. 



7. What dramatic situation does the author give 
at the beginning of this scene? 

He makes Anne Boleyn, Henry's future 



FAMOUS HISTORY OF HENRY VIII 109 

wife, tell about the goodness of Katherine, 
his first wife whom he is preparing to 
divorce. 



8. Read Katherine' s defence carefully and com- 
ment upon it; why is it regarded as one of the 
finest things Shakespeare has done? 

Dr. Johnson says, "Shakespeare's genius 
came in and went out with the character of 
Katherine." In her defence she pleads 
with dignity, humbleness, and sweetness; 
she does not censure the king but does re- 
view her loyalty to him and asks him to 
wait until she can be advised by friends 
from Spain. She and Hermione resemble 
each other. 

9. Lmes 131^-1^0, Does this speech of Henry's 
atone in any manner for his action? 

No, this speech rather incriminates than 
exonerates Henry. 

10. Does Henry's speech freeing Cardinal Wolsey 
from suggesting the divorce, exonerate Wol- 
sey? 

No, everyone feels that Wolsey was the 
one who wished for the downfall of Kath- 
erine. She has begged for the relief of her 
subjects from the heavy taxation that 
Wolsey has levied. She seems to under- 



110 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

stand him from the beginning of the play. 
He feels that she is dangerous to his pro- 
jects. 

act in — SCENE II 

11. Describe Wolsey' s attitude in regard to Hen- 
ry's marriage to Anne Boleyn. 

Wolsey opposed Henry's marriage to 
Anne Boleyn because she was a Lutheran. 
He said Henry should marry the French 
king's sister. 

12. What is the cause of Wolsey* s downfall? 

By mistake Wolsey sent to the King some 
papers intended for the Pope. These pa- 
pers contained an inventory of his own 
possessions and a request that the divorce 
decree be withheld. 

13. Lmes 350-37%. Why have many memorized 

this speech? 

Because of the great truths expressed in 

such poetic language. 

ACT IV SCENE I 

14. By whom is the Queen's coronation 'described? 
Give a brief description. 

It is described by a third gentleman meet- 
ing the two others, who last met when 
Buckingham was sentenced to death. He 



FAMOUS HISTORY OF HENRY VIII 111 

says the Queen came to a chair and sat 
down to rest; he never heard such shouts 
as arose to welcome her, the most beautiful 
Queen; then she went to the high altar 
where she kneeled and prayed. Then the 
Archbishop anointed her; put Edward 
the Confessor's crown on her ; gave her the 
rod and bird of peace, and all the emblems 
of her position. 



15. Comment upon the death scene of Katharine. 
Dr. Johnson says this is the greatest 
scene in all poetry. Here the Queen speaks 
of Wolsey who has died and says, "Peace 
be with him." Even in her last moments 
she rebukes the messenger who bursts in 
and) addresses her as a princess instead of 
as a queen. Then she asks about the King 
and hopes he may ever flourish. She asks 
for the letter she has had one of her 
women write and tells what she had said 
in it. In speaking of their daughter she 
asks the King "to love her a little for her 
mother's sake, that loved him, Heaven 
knows how dearly." She asks him to re- 
member all her servants and waiting 
women. She asks her woman to ". . . 



112 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

strew me over with maiden flowers, that all 
the world may know I was a chaste wife to 
my grave. . . . Then lay me forth: al- 
though unqueened, yet like a queen and 
daughter to a king, inter me." Note the 
details the Poet includes in this scene; ob- 
serve the unselfishness and dignity of the 
woman who had been so wronged. 
16. How does this act show that wonderful ability 
of Shakespeare to put scenes in effective 
order? 

In reality Katherine's death did not occur 
for several years after the coronation. 
This shows Shakespeare's knowledge of the 
strength gained by contrast and the 
proper placing of scenes. 



17. What is the chief event in this act? 

The baptism of Elizabeth is the chief event 
in this act. 

18. What is the reason for the plot against Can- 
terbury? 

The jealousy of Gardiner, one of the bish- 
ops, and some of the noblemen. Henry was 
easily swayed by a favorite ; Cranmer was 
the fortunate one at this time. 

19. Shakespeare is said to have been an accom- 



FAMOUS HISTORY OF HENRY VIII 113 

plished courtier. How is this shown to be true 

in Scene v? 

The speech of Cranmer in Scene v was a 
prophecy of Elizabeth's reign. The Poet 
probably wrote it during her reign, so of 
course it was a great tribute to her. 

GENERAL 

£0. What do you think of this play as compared 
with Henry IV? 

SI. Give a description of Henry VIII gained from 
reading this play. 

Henry VIII was a vain, extravagant mon- 
arch. He was extremely selfish and had no 
feeling for others. He permitted himself 
to be ruled by his favorites ; at first he was 
under the sway of Wolsey, later of Cran- 
mer. His actions toward Katherine were 
inexcusable. 



TROILUS AND CRESSIDA 

1. What do you learn from the prologue? 

The prologue says that the Greeks have 
come to ransack Troy because Paris stole 
Helen from Menelaus ; that the play skips 
the first part of the war, presenting only 
the latter half. 



Do you get the impression that the characters 

are Greeks and Trojans? Why? 

They do not speak and act as the ancient 
heroes of Homer do. One critic says that 
Shakespeare made men of them, while 
Homer made his characters gods and demi- 
gods. They certainly do not appear as 
heroic Greeks. 



act n — SCENE III 

How is the character of Ajaoo set forth? What 
is it? 

In this scene Ajax is described as heavy, 
114 



TROILUS AND CRESSIDA 115 

clumsy, and lacking brains. He is shown 
to be very susceptible to flattery. 
4. Are you interested in the play? Why? 



act in — scene n 

By what means does Shakespeare suggest that 
Cressida's love is not real? 

By making her show in her speeches that 

she is a flirt, and coquette, "a calculating 

wanton." Note her speech: 

"But the strong base and building of my 
love 

Is as the very center of the earth, 

Drawing all things to it! 9 ' 



6. Is the nationality of the characters made more 
evident in this scene? How? 

The characters are even more unheroic. 
Their speeches show them to be full of the 
common human weaknesses. They are in 
this scene just mere men. They seem more 
like a certain type of Englishman of 
Shakespeare's day than like the ancient 
heroes. 



116 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

ACT IV SCENE IV 

7. How has Cressida shown her character in this 



By the way she replies to Troilus's profes- 
sions of love. Note the speech of Diom- 
edes: 

"... to her own worth 
She shall be prized ; but that you say 'Be't 

so,' 
I'll speak it in my spirit and honor 'No !' " 

scene v 

8. Was Ulysses justified in saying what he did 
about Cressida? Why? 

Yes. Because of her free manner with the 
Greeks in the previous lines. The justi- 
fication is found more in the way she acts. 
However, it must not be based upon the 
kissing, as that was not looked upon as it 
is now. 

0. What important developments does this act 
w? 

Cressida is exchanged for Antenor and 
taken to the Greek camp the morning fol- 
lowing her wedding night. Her true char- 
acter is revealed. Hector and Ajax fight, 
but soon stop and arrange for a short 



TROILUS AND CRESSIDA 117 

friendly truce. Troilus plans to see Cres- 



10. What does Shakespeare do to enlist your sym- 
pathies for Hector? 

Gives hints of his death by the speeches of 
Andromache and Cassandra; shows him to 
be a thoughtful brother; has Troilus tell 
of the kind way Hector treats the Greeks 
he overcomes ; shows Hector deaf to the 
entreaties of his wife and his old father. 

GENERAL 

11. Has the play good qualities? What are they? 

Yes. There are several characters drawn 
with the power and life-like reality found 
in the better known plays. Many speeches 
show great wisdom, keen wit, or high sense 
of moral duty. There are several passages 
of poetic power. 

12. Is the end of the play satisfactory? Why? 

13. Has Shakespeare made vice attractive? 

Shakespeare never makes vice attractive. 



CORIOLANUS 



ACT I SCENE I 



Is the reasoning of the first citizen correct? 
The first citizen's reasoning so far as Co- 
riolanus is concerned is correct. 

Describe the character of Caius Mar cms as 

portrayed in this scene. 

Caius Marcius is portrayed as a real war- 
rior, anxious to fight; a patrician despis- 
ing the plebeians ; and an egotist. 

Does he have the sympathy of the reader? 
His strength, his assertiveness, and his 
striking personality win the admiration 
but not the sympathy of the reader. 



Does this scene which is such a contrast to the 
former and the succeeding ones throw much 
light on the play? 

This shows that the traits so manifest in 
Marcius have been cultivated by his 
mother. It also shows how he was re- 
garded in his home life. It breaks the 
118 



CORIOLANUS 119 

monotony of the other scenes and explains 
how Marcius was at Corioli without 
Cominius. 
Why is it introduced? 

It is introduced so that the reader may be- 
come acquainted with the wife and mother 
of Marcius, before they become neces- 
sary to the action of the play. 



6. Is Cominius portrayed as a leader of men? 

Cominius is not portrayed as a strong 
leader; he seems to wish to shun respon- 
sibility and to dislike fighting. 

scene rx 

7. Why was Marcius called Coriolanus, lines 61- 
68? 

Marcius was called Coriolanus because of 
his valor and success in battle before the 
city of Corioli. 

ACT II SCENE I 

8. What is there in these two long speeches of 
Menenius that calls forth praise from many 
critics, lines 50-110? 

These two speeches describe Menenius him- 
self in a humorous way and even when he 



120 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

is reproaching the tribunes for doing noth- 
ing he never loses his temper nor tries to 
elevate himself. These speeches are noted 
because of their true facts of human na- 
ture and of the pertinent way in which 
they are expressed. 

act in — SCENE II 

9. What do you think of Volumnia 9 s reasoning? 

This shows what a deceitful woman Volum- 
nia was. It also shows that success for 
her son was her dearest wish. Seeing this 
side of the mother, who had the rearing ofi 
Coriolanus, enables the reader better to 
understand his character. 

ACT IV SCENE VII 

10. What does this scene between Aufidius and his 
lieutenant signify? 

This shows the littleness and petty jeal- 
ousy of Tullus Aufidius and warns the 
reader of danger to Coriolanus. 

ACT V SCENE HI 

11. Is the speech of Volumnia in the same strain 
as her former speeches? 

This speech of Volumnia contains nothing 



CORIOLANUS m 

of the selfishness and ambition shown in 
her former speeches. This is the speech of 
a noble woman pleading for her country 
and the preservation of her son. She does 
not ask him to become a traitor to the 
Volsces. 



12. Does Coriolanus deserve his tragic end? 

Coriolanus is pictured as a giant in intel- 
lect, physical strength, egotism, and pas- 
sion. He has absolutely no regard for 
anyone, except himself; he is utterly fear- 
less and expresses his contempt for the 
common people as if they deserved nothing 
from the state. When he leaves Rome he 
has not the slightest feeling of loyalty: 
none can be aroused in him. When his 
mother, wife, and child come they move 
him to abandon his siege of Rome. The 
reason for that is that he realizes for 
the first time what will happen to his im- 
mediate family. But he does not try to 
arrange to go back. Coriolanus has been 
untrue to his native city, Aufidius is jeal- 
ous of him, he is "a man without a coun- 
try" made so by his selfish ambition, so 
there could be no other conclusion to the 
play. 



122 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



13. What do you think of this play as compared 
with Julius Ccesarf 

Coriolanus was written some years later 
than Julius Caesar. The character of Co- 
riolanus stands out much more prominent- 
ly than does that of Julius Caesar. There 
is no divergence in any way from the 
theme. 

14. What is the underlying note of the whole 
play? 

The underlying note of the whole play is 
a masterful egoism which drives everything 
before it. 



TITUS ANDRONICUS 



1. What effect has war had upon the character 
of Titus? 

It has blunted his sensibilities and debased 
his inherent noble nature. 



2. Are there speeches or actions in this act which 
approach the heroic? 

Some of Titus's speeches in Scene i; his 
action in sacrificing his hand to save his 
sons. 

S. Is the madness of Titus real or feigned? Give 
reasons. 

His mental condition is not normal, yet it 
would be wrong to say he was insane. A 
tragedy becomes less tragic if the action 
is the result of the plans of irresponsible, 
insane characters. 



4. Does Shakespeare intend to show that the in- 
nocent as well as the guilty are sacrificed 
123 



\U SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

through revenge? Is this generally true in 
life? 

Yes. 



Many doubt that Shakespeare was the author 
of this play. Can you assign reasons for their 
doubt? 

The improbability of the events and the 
unnatural motives; the absence of the 
beautiful; the accumulation of vulgar 
physical horrors ; the total absence of any 
conception of light dramatic interests such 
as are found in Macbeth, Lear, and 
Othello. 



ROMEO AND JULIET 

ACT I SCENE I 

1. What persons appear, or are mentioned, m the 
street-brawl scene that one should remember? 

Benvolio, Tybalt, the Capulets, the Mon- 
tagues, and the Prince. 

2. What does the concluding line of Benvolio lead 
us to expect in later scenes? 

That Romeo will be shown other fair 
women and that he may be taught to for- 
get. 

3. What is your first impression of Romeo? Note 
whether there is a change when he meets Juliet. 



SCENE II 

What events in the play are prepared for in 

this scene? 

Paris's suit; its favorable reception by- 
Juliet's parents ; the banquet ; the meeting 
of Juliet and Romeo ; the resentment of the 
Capulets at Romeo's boldness. 
125 



126 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



5. What sort of woman is the nurse, and what 
seems to be her standing in the family? 

The nurse is an odd mixture of vulgarity 
and refinement. She has no idea of mod- 
esty or of the sacredness of family rela- 
tions ; is without delicacy ; is full of words 
but not ideas. She is the one privileged 
member of the family, — the familiar old 
servant. 



Is Mercutio 9 s speech about the fairies intro- 
duced simply for its own wit and poetic charm, 
or has it some connection with the scene? 

One view is that it was introduced in order 

to halt the action. Another possibility is 

that it was written to give the man who 

played the part an opportunity to deliver 

a good speech. Actors like "fat" lines; 

here are some. 

From this scene and Scene i, do you take sides 

with either the Capulets or the Montagues, or 

remain neutral? 

At the end of this act, have any elements of 
possible tragedy appeared? 

Yes, in Scene iv, lines 106-113 and in Scene 



ROMEO AND JULIET 127 

v, lines 140-148. Also note the feud of 
the Capulets and the Montagues. 



act n — scene n 

9. What does this scene gain in power from the 
time and place? 

Romantic beauty from the time ; dramatic 
suspense from the place. 



SCENES IV AND V 

10. Does the nurse show herself in any new light? 
In Scene iv she apes the manners of her 
betters, in Scene v she teases Juliet. Both 
scenes develop her character. 



act in — SCENE I 

[11. Whose fault was the quarrel? 

Mercutio was more than ready for the 
fight, but Tybalt caused it. See line 64. 

IS. What course might the story have taken if 
it had not been for this quarrel? 

The course of a comedy with the young 
people happy in the end; or the course of 
a domestic tragedy, Juliet's forced mar- 
riage to Paris supplying the cause. 



128 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



SCENE III 



13. Trace the changes in Romeo's emotions dur- 
ing this scene. 

From fear to despair, then to anxiety and 
grief, then to hope, and finally to joy. 



14. Compare the treatment that Juliet receives at 
the hands of her father, her mother, and her 
nurse. 

Her father, in an outburst of passion, 
threatens to beat her and drive her from 
his house. Her mother treats her as only 
a selfish, petulant, cold hearted, unmoth- 
erly old woman could. Her nurse, true to 
her nature, insults her by wickedly advis- 
ing her to marry Paris. 

ACT IV SCENES I AND III 

15. What is Friar Laurence's plan, and how fully 
does Juliet believe in it? 

The Friar's plan is to have Juliet drink 
the drug Wednesday night ; Thursday she 
is to be carried to the family vault ; Romeo 
is to be notified of the plan; Romeo and 
the Friar are to watch by her and when she 
wakes from the effects of the drug Romeo 



ROMEO AND JULIET 129 

is to carry her to Mantua. She is terri- 
fied but she believes in it enough to follow 
the Friar's directions. 



16. Why did Friar Laurence's plan fail? 

Because his letter failed to reach Romeo. 

IT. Is it dramatically effective to have the scene 
between Romeo and Paris? 

Yes. It shows the two lovers together 
and ends the dramatic life of Paris. 

18. Would you have been satisfied if Juliet had 
revived in time to bring about a happy end- 
ing? 

19. What is the value of the concluding scene, 
after Juliet dies? 

The final scene relieves the intense feeling 
of sorrow. The lovers have known com- 
plete happiness and have ended the feud. 
They have loved and served ; their lives are 
complete. 



TIMON OF ATHENS 

ACT I SCENE I 

1. What does one conclude about the character 
of Timon in the first scene? 

That Timon is a gentleman who is generous 
to a fault, and who is imposed upon by 
most of his acquaintances. 

SCENES I AND II 

2. Why is Apemantus introduced so early in the 
play? 

Apemantus is put in the play as a con- 
trast to Timon. He is introduced early 
so that we may see that he is a misanthrope 
from choice. 



Is there any sign of disaster foretold here? 
Flavius hints at disaster when Timon asks 
for the jewel casket. 

ACT II — SCENE II 

Why do these servants of Timon's creditors 
come to Timon now? 

130 



TIM ON OF ATHENS 131 

The servants come now to collect bills from 
Timon. Everyone to whom he owes a 
cent is very urgent in his demands. They 
all seem to have forgotten what Timon 
has done for them. 

5. Do they show the attitude of their masters in 
any way? 

Yes. They show it in their disrespectful 
way of talking to Timon. 

act in — SCENE I 

6. How does Lucullus show that he is a coward? 

Lucullus shows that he is a coward by try- 
ing to bribe Flaminius to tell Timon he did 
not see Lucullus, instead of telling of his 
refusal to lend the money. 

SCENE h 

7. What has Timon done for Lucius? How do 
you account for Lucius's refusal? 

Timon has given Lucius money, plate, and 
jewels. Lucius was like the other false 
friends, he would not lend unless he was 
sure of getting in return more than he 
loaned. 

scene in 

8. What excuse does Sempronius give for not com- 
plying with Timon's request? 



132 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

Sempronius says he will not give because 
he was not asked first. 
9. What was the real motive for all these refusals? 
The real motive for ail these refusals was 
selfishness. They were all afraid they 
would lose their money. The author is 
supposed to have undergone some great 
disappointment just before he wrote this 
play. He seems to want to show that 
there are very few real friends. 



:10. Why does the Senate banish Alcibiades? 

Alcibiades is banished because he pleads 
for a friend, a great warrior, who in anger 
has killed a man. His over-zealous plead- 
ing strikes the Senate as almost reaching 
insubordination. It angers that august 
body, so they exile him. 



11. What do the lords say to each other before 
Timon 9 s entrance? 

The lords try to excuse themselves for 
their refusal to help Timon and each one 
tells how Timon urged him to come to the 
dinner. 



TIMON OF ATHENS 133 

1#. What do you think of Timon's second ban- 
quet as a stage device? 

The second banquet would produce much 
merriment for the audience. It gives ac- 
tion to the play. 

ACT IV SCENE I 

13. Had Timon cause to deliver such a speech? 

No, Timon had not just cause to deliver 
such a speech to all Athens. He had not 
tried to find real friends nor anything 
good after the refusals of his false friends. 

scene ni — line 173 

14. Timon to Alcibiades — "Yes, thou spoke st 
well of me." To what does this refer? 

Alcibiades speaks well of Timon in Scene 
iii, lines 93-96. His statement in line 173 
implies that Alcibiades was banished on 
account of Timon, but there is nothing to 
warrant such a belief. His speech be- 
fore the Senate is for an unnamed friend. 

15. What is the difference between Timon and 
Apemantus? 

Timon was in his early days an optimist; 
he becomes a misanthrope because the 
ones whom he regarded as friends proved 
false. He goes as far as he can in the 



134 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

opposite direction of his former thoughts. 
Every thing formerly beautiful now be- 
comes ugly and base. There is no good in v 
anything. It is purely a mental condi- 
tion. Apemantus's misanthropy is rather 
an affectation, he pretends to dislike every- 
body and everything, but he goes every- 
where, and probably enj oys railing. There 
is no joy in Timon's condition. 



16. Is Timon insane? 

No, he is simply embittered. 

17. What does he say to the Senators? 

He says, "Tell Athens — that whoso please 
to stop affliction, let him take his haste, 
come hither ere my tree hath felt the ax — 
And hang himself." 
[18. What compromise does Alcibiades make with 
the city of Athens? 

The Senators are to open the gates and 
select the enemies of Alcibiades and Timon ; 
only these are to be killed. 



H9. With what other play of Shakespeare would 
you compare this? 

This play might be compared with Corio- 
lanus. 



JULIUS CESAR 



ACT I SCENE n 



Were you attracted to Ccesar upon his -first en- 
trance? Why? 

What means does Shakespeare employ to he- 
little the character of Julius Casar? 

He makes Caesar superstitious, bombastic, 
boastful, physically unfit, deaf in one ear, 
a victim of epilepsy. 
What is the purpose of the shouts and flour- 
ishes while Brutus and Cassius are talking? 
To show the audience that Brutus's fears 
for the safety of the Republic were well 
grounded to the end that sympathy will be 
with him when he joins the conspirators. 
They likewise have an effect upon Brutus, 
crystallizing the fears he has had. 



4. Whose judgment is best in regard to Antony, 
Cassius's or Brutus's? 

Cassius's. 

5. Are there other evidences of Brutus's judg- 
ment in this first scene? 

135 



136 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

Yes. In his third speech; in his objection 
to the conspirators taking an oath; his 
remark about Cicero. 

6. Do lines 229 to 308 give you -further light on 
Brutus's character? 

These lines show the beautiful family life 
of Brutus and Portia. They show Brutus 
is gentle, kind, tender, loving, and gener- 
ous. 

7. Does Ccesar appear to advantage in Scene iif 

This scene emphasizes the unattractive side 
of Csesar. Here he is superstitious, boast- 
ful, patronizing, uncertain, easily flat- 
tered. 

8. What is the dramatic purpose of Scene iv? 

It emphasizes Caesar's danger ; shows Bru- 
tus has told Portia the plan; contrasts 
Portia's distress with Calpurnia's ; creates 
suspense in the audience. 



9. What are the effects of Ccesar 9 s speeches up 
to line 75, Scene if 

They alienate sympathy for him because 
of his bombastic boastfulness. 

10. Why is the question Cassius addresses to 
Treb onius significant f 

This is the dramatic end of the first half 



JULIUS CMSAR 137 

of the play. This question makes promi- 
nent the man who is to avenge Caesar's 
death. 



11. Does Antony suggest what he intends to do? 

In lines 148-163, 183-210, 225-230, his 
manner more than his words suggests his 
plan. Beginning with line 254 his words 
and his actions clearly show his intentions. 

12. Is another case of poor judgment shown in 
this scene? 

Yes, when he gives Antony permission to 
exhibit Caasar's body to the people and to 
speak at the funeral. 



13. Can you explain the reason for having Brutus 
speak in prose and Antony in poetry? 

Brutus's speech is philosophic and is ad- 
dressed to the reason; argumentative and 
philosophic thoughts are not subjects for 
verse. Antony's speech is emotional and 
is addressed to the feelings ; impassioned, 
emotional thoughts are natural subjects 
for verse. 

14. What is the dramatic purpose of Scene Hi? 

It shows the effect of Antony's speech 



138 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

upon the common people. The audience 
understands that the conspirators are re- 
pudiated by the citizens. Antony is in 
favor. 



P.5. Does the first scene change your opinion of 
Antony? 

16. How does the third scene advance the story? 

By announcing the death of Portia, the de- 
cision to fight at Philippi, and the warn- 
ings of the ghost of Cassar. 

17. What are the causes of the quarrel between 
Brutus and Cassius and what are the reasons 
for the reconciliation? 

The differences in the natures of the two 
men: Brutus's failure to grant Cassius's 
request for leniency in the case of Lucius 
Pella; Brutus's reference to the suspicion 
that Cassius has taken bribes; Cassius's 
failure to send the gold to Brutus; the 
strain under which the two men are living. 
They are reconciled because of the real 
affection each has for the other; and the 
realization on the part of Cassius of the 
nobility of Brutus's character. 

18. Why did Portia hill herself? 

Because she lacked that fortitude which 
she so admired in her husband. 



JULIUS CMSAR 139 

19. Why did Cassius yield to Brutus in the mat- 
ter of choosing the battleground on which to 
meet their enemies? 

He is overawed by the high principles of 
Brutus. It is in keeping with his whole 
attitude toward Brutus; he has yielded to 
him throughout the play. It again places 
the mistake on the shoulders of Brutus. 



20. Trace carefully the progress of the battle 
through this act, 

Brutus and his forces attack Antony and 
Octavius. The troops commanded by Cas- 
sius are routed; Brutus is at first success- 
ful and his soldiers begin pillaging. Pin- 
darus, mistaken, reports that Titinius is 
taken by the enemy ; Cassius, overwhelmed, 
orders Pindarus to kill him, which he does. 
Titinius and Messala enter and report the 
success of the troops under Brutus and 
the defeat of those under Cassius. Brutus 
is discouraged by the death of Cassius, his 
troops are forced to give ground and he 
kills himself. 

SI. Is there any point at which the play could end 
before it does? 
No. 



140 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

22. How does Brutus die? 

See Scene v, line 50. 

23. What does Antony say of Brutus? 

See Scene v, lines 68-81. 

24. Is he justified in saying it? 

Yes. 



25. Is that part of the play which precedes the 
speech of Antony, or that which follows it, the 
more interesting? 

26. What are the real causes of Brutus's failure? 

His impractical nature; his attempt to 
guide history according to his personal 
desires; his attempt to fight God's bat- 
tles with the devil's weapons. 

27. In what respect is Cassius shown to be su- 
perior to Brutus? 

In his ability to see things quickly, clearly, 
and practically. He is not a theoretical 
idealist, but a man of experience and a 
keen judge of men and affairs. 



MACBETH 



ACT I SCENES I AND in 



1. What is the dramatic function of the Weird 
Sisters in this play? 

To make visible to the audience the half 
formed thoughts of Macbeth. They form 
a setting for the action which is a struggle 
between the powers of good and the powers 
of evil. 

% In how many ways are you interested in Mac- 
beth before he appears? 

His name is mentioned six times before he 
appears. Interest is aroused because the 
Weird Sisters announce a coming meeting 
with Macbeth ; because the Sergeant speaks 
so highly of his bravery and ability; and 
because the king honors him even before he 
appears. 

3. What are the first words uttered by Macbeth 
and what is their dramatic significance? 

"So foul and fair a day I have not seen." 
Scene iii, line 38. They foreshadowed the 
evil influences which appear later. They 
suggest that Macbeth is already in har- 
141 



142 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

mony with the powers of evil; their own 
words are in his mouth. 

scene in 

4. What warning does Banquo give Macbeth after 
Ross has addressed the latter as Thane of 
Cawdor? 

See lines 122-126. 

5. What does Macbeth tell Lady Macbeth in the 
letter? 

He tells her of meeting the witches; the 
prophecies they made; and of the new 
honor conferred upon him by the king. 

6. How does Lady Macbeth describe her husband? 

See Scene v, lines 16-31. 

7. What revelation does she make of her own 
character in the two soliloquies in the fifth 
scene? Is it the same revelation she makes of 
herself to Macbeth a moment later? 

1. That she thought clearly and accu- 
rately ; that she was resourceful, strong of 
purpose, resolute, filled with a great love 
for her husband; ambitious for her hus- 
band; self-sacrificing. 2. Yes. 



8. What is the dramatic purpose of the comments 
of Duncan and Banquo concerning MacbetKs 
Castle? 



MACBETH 143 

The outward charm of the castle and the 
gentleness of Duncan emphasize the hor- 
ror of the murder which is to come. 



SCENE VII 

9. What are Macbeth' 's reasons for not killing 
Duncan? What is his only reason for doing 
it? 

1. Doubt that Duncan's death would put 
him on the throne ; the fact that Duncan is 
his relative and is now his guest ; Duncan's 
meekness and justice have made him popu- 
lar; the new honors conferred upon him 
by Duncan ; his own reputation. Macbeth 
did not shrink from the sin, but from fear 
of the consequences. #. No reason except 
"Vaulting ambition." 

10. How does Lady Macbeth urge him on? 

By not thinking of the consequences she 
is able to goad him on with her own daunt- 
less spirit. She calls him a coward, a term 
no man can stand from a woman. 

11. Who is the real and primal cause of the mur- 
der? 

Macbeth himself. 

12. Was Lady Macbeth's motive ambition or 
wifely devotion? 

This is probably a personal question. 



1M SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

Many think she was actuated by wifely de- 
votion, 

act n — SCENE I 

13. To what does Banquo refer: "Restrain in me 
the cursed thoughts " etc.? 

He refers to the wicked thoughts which 
come to him in his sleep. He fights against 
temptation ; Macbeth gives way to tempta- 
tion. 

14. How does Shakespeare contrast Banquo and 
Macbeth? 

By showing the way both men respond to 
the predictions of the Weird Sisters. 



15. What reason does Lady Macbeth give for her 
failure to hill Duncan? 

See lines 13-14. 

16. Why did Lady Macbeth, instead of Macbeth, 
take back the daggers? 

Because she can subjugate her imagina- 
tion to her will; Macbeth is unable to do 
this as yet. 
IT. Why do Malcolm and Donalbain flee? 

They suspect Macbeth and, afraid that 
he has not completed his murders, they flee. 



MACBETH 145 

ACT III SCENE I 

18. What is the dramatic purpose of Banquo's 
soliloquy? 

It shows the audience that Macbeth is sus- 
pected. It makes preparation for Mac- 
beth's soliloquy beginning line 48. It is 
also a revelation of Banquo, showing that 
he is not king because he has not had the 
opportunity. 

19. Has any change taken place in Macbeth since 
the murder of the King? 

Yes, the three short questions in lines 19, 
24< and 36 and his scene with the two mur- 
derers show he has gained command of 
himself and is no longer infirm of purpose. 

20. Does he hesitate about the murder of Banquo? 

No. 

21. What is the effect on Macbeth of the appear- 
ance of Banquo 's ghost? 

He acts as one wild with fear and horror. 

22. Why does Macbeth determine to kill Macduff 
and his family? 

He feared him. It is introduced to make 
clear Macbeth's progress in crime and to 
give Macduff a personal reason for killing 
Macbeth. 



146 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



ACT IV SCENE III 

23. Is there any reason for Malcolm's delivering 
such a tirade against himself? 

He wishes to test Macduff. 

24. How does Macduff receive the news of the 
hilling of his family? 

As strong men bear great grief. He does 
not speak at first. 

ACT V SCENE I 

25. Describe Lady Macbeth' s sleep walking. 

This is probably the most intensely dra- 
matic scene in all Shakespeare. In this 
scene you see again all that Macbeth and 
Lady Macbeth passed through when they 
killed Duncan. She is broken, helpless, 
hopeless. Her brain has no relief. 



26. How does Macbeth receive the news of Lady 
Macbeth 9 s death? 

He is so calloused by crime, so hopeless, 
so indifferent as to the future, so dead, 
that he is unable to realize his loss. 

scene vni 

27. What caused Macbeth to lose courage at the 



MACBETH 147 

Macduff's statement that his birth was not 
natural. 

How was the last part of the Weird Sisters 9 

prophecy proved to Macbeth? 

Great Birnam wood did advance to Dun- 
sinane hill when the soldiers of Malcolm, 
to conceal their numbers, cut boughs and 
carried them in their attack upon Mac- 
beth's castle. 



29. Where is the crisis in this playf 

The murder of Banquo. 

30. Where ends Lady Macbeth' 's part in the trag- 
edy? 

With the fourth scene of Act III; after 
that she has no part in Macbeth's life. 

31. What makes this one of Shakespeare's fa- 
mous plays? 

The striking, dominating characters, the 
intense, dramatic situations, the clear pic- 
ture of character development, and the 
story itself. 

32. This play is full of famous lines. Do you 
find any you would like to memorize? 

33. Why are Macbeth, Hamlet, the Merchant of 
Venice, and Julius Caesar the best known 
plays? 



148 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

Because the stories are interesting, the ac- 
tion probable, the characters natural, the 
lines rich in meaning. 
34. Why are they now acted more often than the 
others? 

Because of the interest in them and be- 
cause they give the actor an opportunity 
to appear in really great parts. 



HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK 

ACT I SCENE I 

1. How far do you read before you find your in- 
terests aroused? 

2. How are the events of past months presented? 

By means of the conversation between Ber- 
nardo, Marcellus, and Horatio caused by 
the appearance of the Ghost. 

3. Is there a particular reason why the Ghost 
should reserve its information for Hamlet? 

Yes. Hamlet was his son, the natural one 
to avenge the murder. 

4. Enumerate the different ways in which the 
character of Hamlet is shown in this act. 

See Act I, Scene i, lines 84-86; Scene ii, 
lines 65-120; 129-258; Scene iv, lines 13- 
91 ; Scene v. 



What characteristics does Polonkis display in 

his scene with Laertes? 

He likes to talk; to use precepts; to give 
advice. He was once a great man but is x 
now in his second childhood. 
149 



150 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



6. Do you find yourself interested in this scene? 

7. Why? 



8. Has Hamlet sufficient reason for feigning mad- 
ness? 

He knows that Claudius killed his father 
and that his own life is in danger. In 
order to preserve his life until he can 
avenge his father, he feigns madness. 

9. Do you think he is feigning? 

ACT II — SCENE I 

10. By what devices is the character of Polonius 
further revealed? 

His spying upon Laertes and his comments 
to Ophelia show his low, vulgar mind. Age 
has affected his mind as well as his body. 

11. Summarize all the scenes between Hamlet, 
Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern. 

See Act II, Scene ii, lines 226-399 ; Act III, 
Scene ii, lines 308-390 ; Act IV, Scene ii. 

12. Make a list of Hamlet* s actions which help the 
impression that he is mad. 

See Scene ii, lines 170-221; 304-325; 394- 
439. 



HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK 151 

13. Trace the development of the idea of Ham- 
let to make use of the players. 

The lines furnish but slight clue as to just 
when Hamlet first receives the suggestion 
to make use of the players. On the stage 
the actor shows this by his "business." 
Perhaps the plan to use the players to 
test the King first suggests itself to Ham- 
let in lines 380-386. However, it may be 
that the reference to Pyrrhus' ear (line 
499) and the grief of the Queen (lines 
527-541) gave him the first suggestion. 
His action which caused Polonius to stop 
the speech (lines 541-542) is evidence that 
Hamlet is disturbed by something. All 
except the First Player leave ; Hamlet asks 
if he can play the Murder of Gonzago ; he 
now has an idea which he develops later. 
(Lines 617ff.) 



14. Does this first scene show Hamlet 9 s mental 
condition? 

His meditations concerning suicide clearly 
show it. 

15. Does Hamlet know he is being observed? 

16. If so, when does he make the discovery? 

Ophelia's queer speech — lines 93-95 — makes 



152 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

him suspicious. In line 102 he either hears 
Polonius drop his cane or sees his hand 
(as in the Sothern-Marlowe production) 
and then knows he is being spied upon. 

18. Is it natural that the play-scene should pro- 
duce the effect it does upon the King? 

19. Give your reasons. 

Yes. The King has already shown re- 
morse; his conscience is alive. (See Scene 
i, lines 49-54.) 

SCENE IV 

20. Does Gertrude know that her first husband 
was murdered? 

Critics disagree. It is a personal ques- 
tion. 

21. Make a list of the evidence on both sides. 

22. Is the ghost in this scene real or the creation 
of Hamlet's mind? 

Both opinions are held. 



23. What effect does the death of Polonius have 
upon the King? 

It fills him with fear. He determines to 
get rid of Hamlet. 

24. What lines through Ophelia's mad scenes are 
reminiscent of her love and grief? 

Lines 21-40; 68-71 ; 164-166 ; 175-200. 



HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK 153 



25. Characterize the feelings of Laertes as shown 
in his scene with the King. 

They are not very deep nor very sincere ; 
coming from Laertes they don't mean very 
much. He talks more than he feels. 

26. Does the effect of the King 9 s suggestion on 
Laertes seem natural? 

If Laertes' real character is understood, 
yes. 

ACT V SCENE I 

27. Does this comedy element seem out of place? 

28. Why? 

No. Because of the naturalness of the 
characters and the action. 

29. Do Laertes and Hamlet act naturally? 

Laertes did not feel deeply; he leaps into 
the grave with theatrical effect. His re- 
pulsive act makes Hamlet beside himself 
with anger and grief. 

30. Does your interest remain at high pitch until 
the very end of the play? 

GENERAL 

31. Contrast Hamlet with Laertes. 

Hamlet was moody, speculative, over 



154 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

thoughtful, incapable of deliberate action. 
Laertes was impetuous, shallow, superficial, 
theatrical. 

32. What is the main theme of the tragedy? 

33. What is the most interesting scene in the 
play? 

34. What makes it so? 

35. What scene is second in point of interest? 

36. Why has this play been produced so many 
times? 

Because of the great interest in the char- 
acter Hamlet. Perhaps more has been 
written about this character than about 
any other in all literature. 

37. Gather all the evidence given in the play that 
Hamlet was mad. 

See Act II, Scene i, lines 75-110; Scene ii, 
lines 170-210; Act III, Scene i, lines 1-9; 
92-157; Scene ii, lines 282-370; Scene iv, 
lines 104-138 ; Act IV, Scene iii, lines 18- 
50 ; Act V, Scene i, lines 277-315 ; Scene ii, 
lines 82-139. 

38. Gather all the evidence in the play that he was 
not mad. 

See Act I, Scene v, lines 170-180; Act II, 
Scene ii, line 223 ; lines 228-634 ; Act III, 
Scene i, lines 10-11; 56-90; Scene ii, lines 
1-50 ; 59-92 ; his actions during lines 150- 
280; Act III, Scene iv, lines 7-104; 139- 



HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK 155 

210 ; Act IV, Scene iv ; Scene vi, lines 12- 
31 ; Act V, Scene i, lines 73-239 ; Scene ii, 
lines 1-80; 208-369. 

39. Are you attracted towards Ophelia? 

40. What is your explanation of Hamlet's weak- 
ness of character? Is it that he lacked will 
and ambition? 



KING LEAR 



ACT I SCENE I 



1. Is Lear's demand of an expression of love from 
each daughter likely to bring honest answers? 

Because the answers must be given pub- 
licly they are not likely to be honest. 

2. How are we to account for Cordelia's answer? 

Her love was deep, honest, real. Such love 
does not parade itself. A fine nature never 
makes a show of itself. 

3. What is the character of Kent? 

Kent possesses all the fine traits which 
make a man noble. Self-sacrifice, loyalty, 
faithfulness and goodness are developed to 
a high degree in his character. 
4i. Can you foresee, at the conclusion of this scene, 
anything of the course of the play? 

The remonstrances of Kent and the last 
35 lines of the scene give hints of the com- 
ing action. • 

SCENE II 

5. Does Gloucester's treatment of his two sons at 
all account for their attitude? 
156 



KING LEAR 157 

So far as it is shown in the first two scenes, 
no. 

scenes in, IV, V 

6. How far has Lear a just right to think him- 
self ungratefully treated? 

He has given wealth, position, and power 
• to his daughters. But since he made the 
gifts because the giving furnishes enter- 
tainment for himself he should not have 
expected a display of gratitude from those 
who received the gifts. 

7. What true friends has he, and how do they 
show their friendship? 

Kent and the Fool. By remaining with 
him. 



8. Is Kent in any respects like Lear himself? 

In Scene ii he shows some of Lear's stub- 
bornness and impetuosity which lead him 
to do and say unwise things. 

9. Trace the growing cruelty of Regan and Gone- 
ril. 

See Scene i, lines 96; 103-105; Scene ii, 
lines 155-157; Scene iv, lines 1-2; 89; 148- 
154; 199-200; 204-209; 239-266. 



158 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



10. How has the kingdom prospered under Al- 
bany and Cornwall? 

It has not prospered. Albany and Corn- 
wall are quarreling; a French army is 
about to invade this "scattered kingdom." 

11. What is the dramatic effect of the storm? 

It increases the sympathy for Lear. 

12. Is Edgar really mad? If not, how do you ac- 
count for his actions and words? 

No. He feigns madness to preserve his 
life. 

13. How is the King's mind affected? 

He becomes insane. 

14. By what steps has Gloucester been led to his 
betrayal? 

See Scene iii; Scene iv, lines 120; 153-158; 
Scene v ; Scene vi, lines 1-3 ; 93-104 ; Scene 
vii, lines 42-70. 

ACT IV 

15. What is the dramatic effect of the meeting of 
Gloucester and Edgar? 

It adds pathos and increases the interest 
and sympathy in the action. 

16. What is the effect on Goneril and her husband 
of the news of Gloucester's fate? 

See Scene ii, lines 83 ; 95-97. 



KING LEAR 159 

17. Describe the Dover Cliff incident. 

Gloucester determines to commit suicide by 
throwing himself over the Dover Cliff. He 
meets Edgar and not recognizing his son, 
asks him to lead the way to the Cliff. Ed- 
gar divines his father's intention and 
leads him across a field, but pretends they 
are climbing a steep hill. They finally 
stop and Edgar tells his father they are 
within a foot of the edge of a great preci- 
pice. Gloucester gives Edgar money and 
tells him to go away; he then throws him- 
self forward. Edgar, who has thought of 
this deceit to cure his father of his wish 
to die, now comes forward as another per- 
son who had seen the fall. Gloucester is 
persuaded that he did fall. Since he was 
not killed he decides to live and bear his 
affliction. 

18. Describe the restoration of Lear's sanity. 

His mind is restored through the medium 
of quiet, rest, sleep, kindness, and Cordelia. 

19. Why should not the play go on from this 
point to a happy ending? 

Lear's selfishness which led him to attempt 
to shirk the responsibilities of his position 
could not go unpunished. His whole life 
had been thoughtless, careless, selfish; the 
stern law of retribution punishes him. 



160 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



20. How does Albany learn of the treachery of his 
wife and Edmund? 

By means of the letter which Edgar gives 
him in Scene i. For the contents of the 
letter see Act IV, Scene vi, lines 266-278. 

21. Do you find any difference in character be- 
tween Regan and Goneril? 

Goneril seems to be more resourceful in 
wickedness; she plans and proposes while 
Regan only seconds the propositions of 
her sister. Regan is afraid of Goneril; 
Goneril is afraid of no one. Goneril offers 
herself to Edmund while her husband is 
still alive; Regan makes no advances to 
Edmund until after her husband's death. 
Goneril agrees to the murder of Cordelia, 
poisons Regan, and attempts to kill her 
husband. She seems more wicked than 
Regan. 

22. Account for the fate of Cordelia. 

The innocent as well as the guilty are de- 
stroyed. 

23. What is the last impression you have of the 
old Kmgf 



KING LEAR 161 



24. In what form does Poetic Justice manifest it- 
self in the cases of Lear and Gloucester? 

Poetic Justice manifests itself in the case 
of Lear, in the realization of his misplaced 
confidence, and in his and Cordelia's death ; 
in the case of Gloucester, in the realization 
of his misplaced confidence, his cruel harsh- 
ness, and in the loss of his eyes. 



OTHELLO, THE MOOR OF VENICE 

ACT I SCENE I 

1. What reason does Iago give for his hating 
Othello? 

Iago says he hates Othello because the lat- 
ter chose Cassio for his lieutenant instead 
of Iago. 

£. What motive is behind Roderigo 9 s acts? 
Love for Desdemona. 



What characteristics does Othello show here? 
Othello exhibits self-control, dignity, and 
courtesy in this scene; he acts like a true 
gentleman. 



4. What was the magic by which Othello won 
Desdemona? 

Only the magic of words. His vivid de- 
scriptions of his boyhood and army life 
won Desdemona. 

162 



OTHELLO, THE MOOR OF VENICE 163 

5. Is Othello a negro? 

The reader must not think of Othello as 
a real "black man"; he was an educated 
Moor from the Northern part of Africa. 
The Moors were a civilized people, re- 
nowned for their buildings and the beauty 
of their cities. Most critics agree that 
he was not a negro. 

6. What do you think of lago's advice to Roder- 
igo? 

Iago advises Roderigo not to drown him- 
self but to be a man ; this is good. But he 
concludes very wickedly by urging him to 
try to win Desdemona from Othello. 

ACT II — SCENE I 

7. In what ways does the villainy of Iago appear? 

He plans to make Othello jealous of Cas- 
sio; he encourages Roderigo to make Cas- 
sio angry, so that he will strike at Roder- 
igo. Iago plans to make the soldiers mu- 
tiny. 

8. How does the brawl come about, and what is 
its consequence? 

Iago gets Cassio drunk and then has Rod- 
erigo insult him; the brawl follows in 
which Montano is hurt. It causes Cassio 
to be cashiered. 



164* SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



ACT ni SCENE III 

9. By what steps does Iago suggest jealousy to 
Othello? 

Iago suggests jealousy to Othello by bring- 
ing him home when Cassio is asking Desde- 
mona to plead for his reinstatement, and 
by hinting that Cassio ought not to meet 
Desdemona alone. After Desdemona has 
gone Iago pretends to know more about 
Cassio than he tells. 

10. Is Othello too easily convinced? 

Othello believed Iago to be a true friend. 
The former's character was so straight- 
forward that he never suspected anyone 
of being dishonest, so that it was not 
strange that he should be moved by Iago's 
insinuations. When jealousy is once 
aroused it steadily grows. 

11. Why is the handkerchief made so important? 

The handkerchief was the first gift Othello 
had given Desdemona, so it had a great 
sentimental value; later it becomes ma- 
terial evidence of Desdemona's apparent 
unfaithfulness. 

ACT IV SCENE I 

IS. Who is Bianca, and how is she used in Iago's 
plot? 



OTHELLO, THE MOOR OF VENICE 165 

Bianca is Cassio's mistress. She comes to 
Cassio and he gives her the handkerchief 
to copy. Iago gets Cassio to recount his 
relations with Bianca ; Othello thinks he is 
talking of Desdemona. Through Bianca 
Othello learns where the handkerchief is. 
3. To what conflicting emotions is Othello a prey 
on the arrival of Lodovico? 

Jealousy, rage, hatred, are the emotions 
preying upon Othello when Lodovico ar- 



14. How does Desdemona bear herself throughout 
this scene? 

Desdemona is shocked and stunned by 
Othello's accusations. Her speeches to 
Emilia and Iago show loyal devotion to her 
husband. She is not angry nor resentful. 

15. What touches throughout this scene bring out 
the innocence of Desdemona? 

When Othello tells Desdemona to swear 
she is honest, she replies "Heaven doth 
truly know it." She feels that it is so evi- 
dent, she does not need to swear. When 
he again accuses her she says "To whom, 
my lord? with whom? how am I false?" — 
line 40. She does not realize what he is ac- 
cusing her of. "Alas, what ignorant sin 



166 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

have I committed ?" line 70 — All these show 
Desdemona's innocence. 



ACT V SCENE I 

16. Explain Iago's reasons for bringing about the 
street-fight in which Roderigo attacks Cas- 
sio. Explain his reasons for his actions 
through the scene. 

Iago wants to get rid of Cassio so that 
Othello will not find out that lago's tales 
are false ; he wants to get rid of Roderigo 
because he has the latter's money and jew- 
els which he does not propose to give up. 
He cannot keep his bargain with Roderigo 
and fears his treachery will be discovered. 
Iago is there to help, he wounds Cassio in 
the leg and kills Roderigo. Then he de- 
parts. He returns in a few minutes and 
lays the blame on Bianca. 

scene n 

17. What is Othello' *s mood at the opening of the 
scene? 

Othello is in a very contrite mood; his 
anger seems to have passed, and left him 
with the idea that he must kill Desdemona. 
He still loves her. 



OTHELLO, THE MOOR OF VENICE 167 

18. What does Desdemona say that enrages him? 

Desdemona says, "I never did offend you 
in my life; never loved Cassio but with 
such general warranty of heaven as I 
might love : I never gave him token." Lines 
55-61. 

19. What sort of character does Emilia shorn, in 
comparison with earlier scenes? 

In earlier scenes Emilia has been coarse, 
good-natured, and not above petty thiev- 
ing, but now when she finds that her mis- 
tress is killed she rises to the very heights 
in character development, she proves Des- 
demona's innocence and rails at her hus- 
band; she tells of her part in taking the 
handkerchief, even though she knows Iago 
may kill her. 

20. What lines of Othello most justly describe 
himself? 

Line 822. "O fool, fool, fool !" 

21. Do Othello and Desdemona suffer because of 
any faults or weaknesses of their own, or 
purely through the evil intent of others? 

Othello suffers because he is over trustful 
of Iago and jealous of his wife. Regard- 
ing Desdemona she seems to suffer through 
the evil intent of others. Critics argue on 
both sides. 



168 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



In this play Shakespeare portrays the pas- 
sion of jealousy as developed in a wicked man 
and in a frank, good man. Make a compara- 
tive study of I ago and Othello from this view- 
point. 

In lago we see jealousy working through 
hatred caused by the good fortune of oth- 
ers. In Othello we see jealousy working 
through love and personal pride. 
Macaulay said of this play : "Othello is, per- 
haps, the greatest work in the world." Do 
you agree with him? Why? 
Can you discover the elements in the play 
which caused Macaulay to make this state- 
ment? 

He suggests them himself by saying ". . . 
from love strong as death, and jealousy 
cruel as the grave?" 



ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA 

ACT I SCENE I 

1. What does Philo think of Antony 9 s love for 
Cleopatra? 

Lines 11-13 answer this question. 
&-3. Describe Cleopatra's beauty. Do you see her 
as light or dark? Do you think of her as 
being exceedingly beautiful? 

She was probably light, not dark; more 
Greek than Egyptian. That she was ex- 
ceedingly beautiful also seems clear, though 
her beauty was surpassed by her charm of 
manner and bewitching personality. How- 
ever, the degree of her beauty is a matter 
of personal opinion; many critics think 
she was not exceedingly beautiful. 



From this scene what are your conclusions con- 
cerning life at Cleopatra's court? 

That it was care-free, luxurious and volup- 
tuous. 



170 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

5. Does Antony realize the danger of his infatu- 
ation for Cleopatra? 

The question is answered in lines 120-121, 
132-134, 136, 140, 157. 
6-7. From what you have seen of Cleopatra in Act 
I, are you interested in her? Why? 

This should be answered by the reader. 



8. Contrast the spirit shown in the first four 
scenes of this act with those scenes of Act I 
which are laid in Egypt. 

9. What is the difference? 

8 and 9. The spirit of these four scenes is 
aggressive while the spirit of the Egyptian 
scenes is sluggish and indolent. The spirit 
of accomplishment is found in the first four 
scenes of Act II ; the spirit of love is found 
in the Egyptian scenes. The difference is 
that which exists between accomplishment 
and indulgence. 



110. How does Enobarbus conduct himself in this 
scene? 

Like the independent, brave, plain spoken 
soldier he wag. 



'ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA 171 

11. How do Marcenas and Agrippa show natural 
characteristics? 

In lines 175-251 they show they are nat- 
ural human men in their desire to hear the 
stories from Cleopatra's court. They are 
great gossips. 



1£. How do you interpret Cleopatra 9 s actions 
upon the receipt of the news of Antony's mar- 
riage to Octavia? 

Such a passionate nature as Cleopatra's 
would be moved to ungovernable fury at 
such news. 



13. What does Enobarbus think of Antony's mar- 
riage to Octaviaf 

See lines 123-140. 

14. Are you interested in Enobarbus? Why? 

Hudson says of Enobarbus : "On the whole, 
after Octavia, Enobarbus is rather the 
noblest character in the play. His blunt, 
prompt, rough-spoken sagacity, mingled 
with a certain slyness of thought, a racy 
infusion of humor, and a pungent, search- 
ing irony of discourse interpret with re- 
morseless fidelity the moral import of the 



112 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

characters and movements about him ; while 
the splitting of his heart with grief and re- 
morse for having deserted the ship of his 
master which he knew to be sinking shows 
him altogether a noble vessel of manhood." 

SCENE VII 

15. From this scene what is your judgment of 
Lepidus? 

That he is weak, without the ability of his 
colleagues ; that he is not necessary to 
their plans and will be dropped as soon as 
he becomes less useful. 



act in — SCENE I 

16. How does this scene show that the ancient mili- 
tary spirit has become degenerate? 

What Silus advises any captain would, a 
few years before, have done for his gen- 
eral. Lines 5-34 show how far the ancient 
war spirit has become debased. 

SCENES II AND IV 

17. What is Antony's attitude toward his wife? 

That of a kind, generous, indulgent hus- 
band toward an equally excellent wife. 



ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA 173 

18. Contrast these scenes with several in which 
Antony is seen with Cleopatra. 

In these two scenes only that which is good 
in Antony is shown ; in his scenes with Cleo- 
patra the dissolute and voluptuous side of 
his character is shown. 

scene v 

19. Are you surprised by the gossip of this scene? 

20. Why? 

No, because at every appearance in the 
play Lepidus has shown he was but a satel- 
lite. 

scene vn 

21. Does Cleopatra help or hinder Antony? 

She hinders him, as Enobarbus says in lines 
11-16. 

SCENES VIII, IX, X, XI, XII 

22. Why are so many short scenes given? 

In order to show different parts and phases 
of the battle to the audience. 

23. On what grounds can you explain Antony's 
flight? 

His infatuation for Cleopatra. Many 
similar actions may be cited from modern 
life. 



174 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



24. What are Cleopatra's pleas for her part in 
the disaster? 

Her pleas consist of sixteen words! See 
lines 55-56, 61, 68. 

SCENE xni 

25. Read carefully all the speeches of Enobarbus. 

26. What do you think of them? Of Enobarbus? 

They are keen and prophetic. When he 
talks of leaving Antony he shows his 
rugged nature has been poisoned by con- 
tact with the East. 

ACT IV SCENE III 

27. Why was this scene introduced? 

To give a hint of the coming misfortune. 



28. What are Antony's emotions in this scene? 

Deep regret, sorrow. 

SCENE VII AND VIII 

29. What is the dramatic effect of these two 
scenes? 

They raise the fortunes of Antony in order 
that the catastrophe may seem the greater. 



ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA 175 



SCENE IX 



SO. What drives Enobarbus to his death? 
Remorse. 



scene xn 



31. Why does Antony turn against Cleopatra? 

He is beside himself at the disgrace of his 
defeat. 



SCENE XIV 

Does Antony {lines 35 to 140) act as you 

would expect him to? 

Exactly. One cannot imagine Antony 
gracing Cassio's victory as a prisoner. His 
dying wish to be near Cleopatra is also 
natural. 

SCENE xv 

What lines appeal to you? Why? 
To be answered by the reader. 



ACT V SCENE I 

34. What were C&sar's feelings toward Antony? 
See lines 14-49. 



176 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



85. What is the best speech in this scene? 
Perhaps lines 82-92. 

36. Why do the women about Cleopatra die? 

Because of their prominence in the play, 
through their close association with Cleo- 
patra ; and because of their part in the life 
at her court they had to die. 



37-38. What are your feelings toward Antony 
and Cleopatra? Do you blame them? 
Why? 

It is a curiously powerful play, almost com- 
pelling one to look at Antony and Cleo- 
patra with indulgence. One realizes they 
must be censured and yet . 

39. From what you read of Octavia should An- 
tony be severely censured for his return to 
Cleopatra? 

After the first reading one might say "No." 
Additional readings will show Octavia as 
a strong, womanly woman, worthy of the 
love and fidelity of an Antony. 

40. If you look upon the love of Antony and Cleo- 
patra with indulgence, what is the reason? 

Because of Shakespeare's skill in hiding 
the grossness of vice. 



ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA 177 

4T. What purpose does Enobarbus serve through- 
out the play? 

Enobarbus "is almost a chorus." He com- 
ments on almost every incident with keen 
and prophetic insight. 

42. What great speeches do you -find in the play? 
To be answered by the reader. 



CYMBELINE 



ACT I SCENE I 



il. What purpose does this scene serve? 

This scene describes Imogen, Posthumus, 
the Queen, her son Cloten, and the Queen's 
evil influence upon the King. In this way 
the reader is informed of all the events lead- 
ing to Posthumus's banishment, after his 
marriage to Imogen. 

2. Is there anything repulsive in this act? 

The wager between Iachimo and Posthu- 
mus is repulsive to modern readers; that 
the poet had somewhat the same feeling is 
evidenced by the artifices he uses to excuse 
Posthumus. The way in which Iachimo 
talks to Imogen about her husband is also 
repulsive to readers of the present time. 

ACT II — SCENE II 

3. What qualities do you -find in lines 11 to 51? 

This speech of Iachimo is very poetic ; the 
way in which he describes the sleeping Imo- 
gen is beautiful. The metaphors that he 
178 



CYMBELINE 179 

uses show his skill with words ; the whole 
speech reveals a villain with an excellent 
education. 
4. What are your feelings? 

It angers the reader to think that Iachimo 
should have gained access to the room and 
it makes him want to punish Iachimo at 



Are you impatient with Posthumus? Why? 
Posthumus is too ready to believe Iachimo ; 
he says none of her women can be bribed, 
but he believes the worst he can of her the 
moment he hears it. 



act np — scene I 

6. What purpose does this scene serve? 

This scene withdraws the attention from 
Posthumus and directs it in another chan- 
nel for awhile. It makes the preceding 
and the succeeding scenes more dramatic 
by changing the current of thought for 
awhile. It also prepares the way for Post- 
humus to come back to England. He 
comes back with the Roman army, but 
leaves it to fight for the King. 



180 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 



SCENE IV 



7. What is your opinion of Imogen after read- 
ing this scene? 

Imogen traveling over land to meet her 
husband, only to hear that he has ordered 
her to be killed ; then the speech she makes 
concerning her alleged falseness ; and then 
her agreement to become a page all raise 
her to the highest place in the hearts of 
the audience. 



8. Why does the Queen desire Imogen's ruin? 

If Imogen is dead the Queen will be able 
to put her son Cloten on the throne. 

ACT IV SCENE II 

9. Are you satisfied with the action in this scene? 

There are too many actions in this scene: 
first Imogen taking the powder; then the 
fight between Polydore and Cloten; then 
the death song over the bodies of Imogen 
and Cloten; finally Lucius's coming and 
his engaging Imogen as page. 

10. Why? 

The actions do not seem coherent. It does 
not seem necessary for Imogen to see the 



CYMBELINE 181 

headless Cloten, whom she thinks is Post- 
humus. 



11. What is the condition of affairs at court? 

The Queen is ill because she does not know 
where Cloten is; the King does not know 
where Imogen is ; the Romans are landing 
and the King does not know what to do 
without the advice of his Queen and step- 
son. 

ACT V SCENE I 

12. What are the feelings of Posthumus towards 
Imogen? 

Posthumus still loves the memory of Imo- 
gen and regrets that Pisanio should have 
obeyed him by killing her. He thinks Pi- 
sanio did kill her and that the handker- 
chief has her blood on it. 



SCENE IV 

'13. Do you pity Posthumus? Why? 

Posthumus feels that he has nothing to 
live for, he has fought as hard as he can, 
wishing to be killed; then he is cast into 
jail, and sentenced to be hanged. He had 
never done anything dishonorable until he 



182 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

was deceived by lachimo, then he ordered 
the death of his wife whom he idolized. 



114. How does this scene add to your knowledge 
of the beauty of Imogen's character? 

Lucius pleads for his page, who was the 
most faithful page a man ever had; here 
was Imogen without her womanhood, but 
beloved for her goodness. The princes 
who thought she was a boy loved her as a 
brother. When they are made known, she 
rejoices in finding two brothers, instead of 
repining because she will not be queen. 

!15-16. Did lachimo deceive Posthumus for gain? 
Why? 

lachimo deceived Posthumus for the pleas- 
ure of deception and took only the ring 
which Imogen had given her husband. 

17. What influence do the young princes have in 
this scene? 

The return of the young princes and Imo- 
gen makes the King feel like a new man ; it 
takes away the anguish of the Queen's 
death-bed confession and the death of 
Cloten. It makes the King lenient to the 
Romans and causes him to agree to pay 
the tribute willingly. 



CYMBELINE 183 

! 18. Is the end of the play appropriate? 

The play starts out as if it were to be a 
tragedy, so the end seems rather weak ; but 
the average play-goer would prefer this 
ending. The announcement of the Queen's 
confession does not seem in place here. 

19. Whom do you regard as the central figure in 
the play? 

Imogen seems to be the central figure. 



20. What do you think of the wager of the first 
act? 

The wager in the first act seems very fool- 
ish and very revolting. 

21. Could such a wager be used in a modern play? 

Such a wager would not be tolerated in 
a modern play. A man is supposed to be 
his wife's protector, so he would shield 
her rather than expose her to any insult. 

22. Compare lachimo with other of Shakespeare's 
•villains. 

lachimo is an educated man with all the 
skill and cunning usually attached to a 
criminal; he, like Iago, attempts to prove 
that a true wife is false to a loving hus- 
band, lachimo does not appear as often 
in the play as does Iago in Othello, and 



184 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

does not spend all his time plotting against 
everybody as Iago does. Iachimo and 
Iago both appear as fully developed vil- 
lains at the beginning of the plays, while 
the wickedness of Macbeth grows as that 
play advances. 



PERICLES 

1. Do the prologues in this play serve the same 
purpose that they do in the other plays? 

Yes ; that is, they describe events that must 
be known, and create an interest in what 
follows. Another stage invention of that 
day is introduced in this play with the 
prologues; that is the Dumb Show; this 
explained things not easy to explain by 
words. 

ACT I 

£. Does the material presented in this act seem 
suitable for a Play? 

The material presented in this act does not 
seem suitable for a play. It is a subject 
that would not be discussed in public now- 
adays. 
3. What opinions do you have of the social life 
of the 17th century from the fact that this was 
a popular play of the period? 

Compared with modern standards, one 
would judge that the social life of the 17th 
century was very coarse and vulgar. Men 
185 



186 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

and women of the present day would not 
enjoy such a play. 



4. At what point is your interest greatest in this 
act? 

A matter of personal opinion. 

act m — SCENE I 

5. Compare this -first speech of Pericles with his 
first speech in Act II, Scene i. Is he in a differ- 
ent frame of mind? Explain. 

In this act, Pericles is begging the storm 
to stop. Now he has a wife to think of. 
He is not ready to die as he was in Act II, 
Scene i. He is now going back to his na- 
tive city, Tyre, because the cruel and 
wicked Antiochus is dead. In Act II he 
still had him to fear. , 

act iv 

6. What time elapses between this and Act III? 

Fourteen years elapse between the third 
and fourth acts. 
7.. What are the important events of this act? 

Cleon's wife hires a murderer to kill Ma- 
rina, because the latter is fairer than her 



PERICLES . 187 

own daughter. When Leonine is ready to 
kill her, some pirates rush forth and steal 
her. They sell her to the owner of a 
brothel. Pericles goes to Tarsus and is 
informed of his daughter's death. Marina 
sends every would-be patron away from 
the house of ill-fame. 



ACT V SCENE I 

In what frame of mind is Pericles at the be- 

ginning of this scene? 

For three months Pericles has not spoken 
to anyone and has eaten only enough to 
keep alive to lengthen his grief for the loss 
of wife and daughter. 

Through what character is the supremacy of 

good brought out in this play? 

Mariana is a wonderful example of the su- 
premacy of good. 



GENERAL 

10. Is this an easy play to read? Why? 

This is a hard play to read because of its 

many different scenes and its lack of unity. 
ill. What personal qualities are emphasized? 

Charity, Virtue, Patience, and Honesty 

are all emphasized. 



188 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

12. Cite instances which prove Pericles is a man 
of strength and of weakness. 

Pericles was not afraid to try to solve An- 
tiochus's riddle. He is brave in time of 
storm. After solving the riddle, he fears 
death and goes from city to city, not even 
telling his name in some places; when he 
hears of his daughter's death he goes into 
seclusion and forgets his duties to his city 
and his people ; these last actions show his 
weakness. 

13. How did Shakespeare secure the unity which 
the desultory nature of this play required? 

By having Gower act as chorus and by 
having the Dumb Show given with the pro- 
logues, Shakespeare secures a certain 
amount of unity. 



POEMS 

1. Which poem do you like best? 
9>. Do you place it first because of the story or 
for some other reason? 

Personal questions which each reader must 
answer himself. 

3. In reading these poems should you try to find 
moral lessons? 

No. 

4. What should a reader try to get from poetry? 

Pleasure, enjoyment, delight. 

5. What is the general theme of the sonnets? 

Love ; love for a young man in sonnets I- 
CXXVI, love for the "woman color'd ill" 
in sonnets CXXVII-CLII. 

6. What is a sonnet? In what ways is it different 
from other forms of verse? 

A sonnet is a short poem of fourteen lines. 
The rhymes are arranged in a peculiar 
way: as, line— 1—2— 3— 4— 5— 6— 7— 8 

9 10—11—12—13—14. Rhyme— a— b 

— b — a — a — c — c — a — d — e — d- — e — f — f. 
The lines are iambic pentameter. J. M. 
189 



190 SHAKESPEARE EXPLAINED 

D. Meiklejohn, M. A., says: Shakespeare's 
"Sonnets" are not formed on the Italian 
model, and can hardly be called sonnets at 
all. They are really short poems of three 
quatrains, ending in each case with a 
rhymed couplet. The English Language, 
page &05. 

Read some sonnets by William Words- 
worth. 

7. Which sonnets do you like best? Why? 

8. Do you find Beauty in these poems? 

9. Is it beauty of thought, or is it in the way the 
thought is expressed? 

10. Do you enjoy reading poetry? Why? 



INDEX TO CONTENTS 



All's Well That Ends Well, 55 | 

Antony and Cleopatra, 169 

As You Like It, 45 

Comedy of Errors, The, 19 

Coriolanus, 118 

Cymbeline, 178 

Famous History of the Life of 

King Henry VIII, The, 107 
Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, 

149 
Julius Caesar, 135 
King Henry IV, The First Part 

of, 78 
King Henry IV, The Second 

Part of, 84 
King Henry VI, The First Part 

of, 93 
King Henry VI, The Second 

Part of, 96 
King Henry VI, The Third 

Part of, 99 
King Lear, 156 
Life and Death of King John, 

The, 70 
Life of King Henry V, The, 88 
Love's Labour's Lost, 28 
Macbeth, 141 



Measure for Measure, 16 
Merchant of Venice, The, 38 
Merry Wives of Windsor, The, 

12 
Midsummer-Night's Dream, A, 

32 
Much Ado About Nothing, 24 
Othello, The Moor of Venice, 

162 
Pericles, 185 
Romeo and Juliet, 125 
Sonnets, 189 
Taming of the Shrew, The, 

50 
Tempest, The, 1 
Timon of Athens, 130 
Titus Andronicus, 123 
Tragedy of King Richard II, 

The, 75 
Tragedy of King Richard III, 

The, 103 
Troilus and Cressida, 114 
Twelfth Night; or, What You 

Will, 60 
Two Gentlemen of Verona, 

The, 6 
Winter's Tale, The, 66 



